Local 100 Wins Battle to Keep Elevator Operators in Washington Heights Stations

JULY 14 -- Not so fast!

 A Manhattan judge today ordered the MTA to keep elevator operators in five deep-cavern subway stations in Washington Heights. Ruling in favor of a lawsuit motion filed by TWU Local 100, Justice Adam Silvera said the elevators must remain staffed at least until the merits and legality of the staffing cuts are argued and decided court. He scheduled a hearing for July 20. 
 
The MTA planned to vacate the elevators on Sunday – a move Local 100 and elected officials say will make the stations less safe and impact the ability of disabled riders to use the system.

“We’re gratified the judge saw fit to slam the brakes on this ill-conceived plan,” TWU Local 100 President Richard Davis said. “This is a fight worth fighting, and we now move to the next stage. Riders want to see their subway stations staffed, not abandoned.”

The stations targeted for staff cuts by the MTA are 168th, 181st, and 190th streets on the A line, and 181st and 191stStreets on the No 1. Line. The deepest station is about 180 feet below ground. Elevator rides can take more than one minute. The elevators are in remote areas of the subway stops where riders feel particularly vulnerable. At three of the stations, the elevators are the only way in or out.
 
The plaintiffs include transit workers now operating the elevators, Stations Vice President Robert Kelley, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, State Senator Robert Jackson, Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos, Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, and Michael Schweisenberg, president of an association representing people with disabilities. The lawsuit seeks a temporary injunction forcing the MTA to keep the elevators staffed until more detailed and lengthy court hearings can be held on the matter.
 
The lawsuit alleges the MTA failed to hold public hearings on the planned staff cuts in violation of the state Public Authorities Law. It also claims violations of the city’s Human Rights Law. In addition to being burdensome on disabled riders, the cuts would force the reassignment of disabled transit workers operating the elevators, the lawsuit claims.