Judge extends TRO; Union looks for Win
If the arbitrator rules with the Union next Tuesday, we expect that many of the laid-off Station Agents who picked SCA booths will have to be re-hired, at least until the end of the pick in June. As for the rest of our Station Agents - still working as a result of the temporary injunction - a court decision that could re-start the MTA hearing process could come at any time. We will keep you, our members, informed.
The media covered the story of the Station Agent layoffs heavily this week, as well as the Union's ongoing protests outside 105 Duane Street in lower Manhattan, where MTA Chairman Jay Walder lives in a multi-million dollar luxury penthouse paid for by fare box receipts. Our case was helped by reports that the Federal Government has cut homeland security anti-terror funding to New York City by $53 million. President Samuelsen told Channel 4 News that this only increases the importance of our Station Agents as the system's eyes and ears, giving further reason not to thin their ranks. If New York Supreme Court Justice Scarpullo rules that the MTA must open public hearings before they cuts can go through, Local 100 intends to bring maximum public pressure to bear on the Authority to rescind the firings.
Your Union is moving full-throttle to combat cuts to bus lines as well. We need Operators and Maintainers to get ready to pitch in. Let your depot chair know what you can do and when you can do it. As in the fight to save the B51, we will be leafleting riders and visiting elected officials to carry the fight line-by-line while we continue the fight in Washington and Albany for funding for all. Don't forget to talk to your depot chair.
Walder's Golden Parachute
With federal stimulus money continuing to come into the MTA, now up to $1.36 billion, Walder continues to refuse to use any portion of it for operating expenses like saving service and reversing firings. He's representing rich investors and bond holders - certainly not the riding public or the men and women who make the system run. We are bringing this to the public's attention with our Golden Parachute flyer and poster. Click on the image on our home page to download your own copy.
President John Samuelsen said: “I believe the union is on very strong legal ground that the MTA failed in its requirements for public hearings under the New York State Public Authorities Law before taking action to close these booths.” “I am confident that the ultimate decision will be in our favor, and when it does, it will be an important victory for safety, security and service to the millions of New Yorkers who ride the subways every day.” Samuelsen said that regardless of the outcome of the court case, the union will continue to fight for its members targeted for layoff and passengers targeted for lost service. “We will never abandon our members or the passengers we serve. We will continue the fight for funding in Albany and Washington and in our communities and neighborhoods to find a solution.”