Massive Rally Sparks Contract Kickoff at 2 Broadway

TWU Rallies at 2 Broadway for a Fair Contract

20161115

Content from Contract Kickoff Nov 15

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Over seven thousand TWU Local 100 transit workers took our contract demands to the street in front of MTA headquarters at 2 Broadway, projecting our key issues directly onto the facade of the building with the aid of an “illuminator.”

Local 100 President John Samuelsen addressed the large crowd, as members blasted air horns and waved signs from every division in the Union. He was introduced by TWU International President Harry Lombardo, who told the story of the recently settled TWU/SEPTA strike in Philadelphia and endorsed the Local 100 team as expert and seasoned as we go into our contract fight. Samuelsen declared that it’s time for transit workers – who toil in an extremely dangerous environment – to be fairly compensated for their work at a time when the MTA is carrying a surplus and on-the-job injuries and assaults have been increasing. Secretary-Treasurer Earl Phillips articulated the dangers we face in his speech, documenting the many fatal accidents to transit workers in the last decade. Recording Secretary LaTonya Crisp-Sauray MC’d the event, introducing all of our Vice Presidents and the other speakers, and leading the huge crowd in chants and song.

More coverage in The Chief:

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Public Advocate Letitia James roused the crowd with a ringing endorsement of union action in the face of Tuesday’s Republican takeover in Washington.City Comptroller Scott Stringer called transit workers’ contributions to the City “priceless” and said they deserved a good contract  “with no games” from management. Other politicians including newly-elected State Senator Marisol Alcantara, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Manhattan Borough President Gail Brewer, and City Council members Francisco Moya and Elizabeth Crowley addressed transit workers from the stage. Labor support came in the form of strong statements in support by Danny Cassella and Mark Henry, who represent other transit locals in New York, as well as from New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento and New York City Central Labor Council Vincent Alvarez. At the conclusion of the rally, Samuelsen with a delegation of top officers walked into the lobby of 2 Broadway, where MTA officials including Director of Labor Relations Anita Miller were waiting to formally accept the Union’s bargaining demands, kicking off our “contract countdown.” The photos show the large mobilization, the gathering crowd, and highlights from the main event.