Union Statement on Mass Transit Funding in NY State Budget

Feb. 1, 2023 -- TWU Local 100 will fight the MTA if it tries to balance its budget on the backs of transit workers, TWU Local 100 President Richard Davis said today.

MTA budget plans include some $400 million in savings through “efficiencies.”

“We don’t know yet what the MTA means by ‘efficiencies,’ but we will fight any effort to balance the budget on the backs of transit workers,” Davis said in a statement. “We kept the bus and subway system running through the pandemic, and that must be fully recognized.”

MTA finances were a central focus of the New York State financial plan that Gov. Hochul unveiled in Albany earlier today. Hochul proposed a slight increase in a business tax to generate $800 million in additional revenues for mass transit. She is also looking to the city to provide another $500 million.

“This is a great first step,” Davis said. “It’s a clear recognition by Gov. Hochul that the bus and subway system is essential, and government has the responsibility to provide the necessary funding. We also agree with her 100% that service cuts must be avoided.”