TWU Local 100 Endorses Eric Adams for Mayor of New York City

APRIL 29 -- TWU Local 100 overwhelmingly and enthusiastically endorsed Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams for mayor today.

The Local 100 Executive Board voted overwhelmingly after hearing from eight leading candidates at the Union Hall in Brooklyn.

“Our members and officers have known Eric for a long time,” TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano said. “He’s stood with us in many battles and has always been there for us. He’s earned this endorsement and richly deserves it.”

Working in the Heat

Working in hot environments is not safe. Your body builds up heat when you work and sweats to get rid of it. Too much heat can make you tired, hurt your job performance, and increase your chance of injury. When the temperature changes quickly, you need time for your body to get adjusted to the heat. Be extra careful early in the summer when hot spells begin.

You have a right to a safe & comfortable work environment:

Clean water provided through a fountain, cooler or bottled water at all locations
Cool Work areas and break rooms
Ventilation to bring in clean air and take out hot air
Make adequate water supplies part of your daily workplace inspection

Need relief? Follow up with supervision immediately:

Bus- Call console, request immediate medical assistance
RTO- command 212-712-4480
CED- call your Barn Chair or Local Union rep
MOW- control 212-712-4120

If needed, file a Safety Rule Dispute Resolution Form.

For Stations: To follow up with supervision, call your respective Field Office. If you are a CTA, you can also ask for a comfort by entering the booth to cool down. If you feel unwell, you must notify OSAC and inform them that you are going home. Doctor’s lines will be needed on your return. Field Office numbers are as follows: 125th Street: 212-712-3127 or 718-436-8421; 44th Street: 212-424-5407 or -5408; 7th Ave: 718-243-3903 or 243-3905; Parsons-Archer: 718-334-8106. OSAC is 347-694-6500. Sick Desk for CTA’s ext. 42.

Click here to download a printed version of this message. Print it out and post it in your workplace.

For Stations Department members, click here.

One good flyer deserves another.

London Calling! TWU Local 100 Glad to Help Out

London’s Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union (the RMT) – our brothers in arms across the pond – found inspiration in our recent graphic campaign to slow trains and prevent subway fatalities. We sent them our graphics files and they went to work, repurposing our graphic image of a chalk outline on the roadbed and making it the centerpiece of their campaign to bring back laid off workers who ensure safety on the Bakerloo line. The line’s management cut staffing, forcing train operators to drive out of service trains into stations or “sidings” in yards without checking for passengers who didn’t get off in time. The RMT points to the case of a 12-year old boy who found himself alone in a yard walking the tracks. Now the public is getting the message that this unsafe practice should end and that they should let London Underground management know they need to bring back the laid-off staff. See the RMT’s flyer here.

"Very lovable" Track Worker Mourned by MOW, Services on Monday

DECEMBER 6—Track Worker Bennie Jones, who passed away suddenly on November 21 due to a heart attack, will be laid to rest on Monday.

Jones, who was only 50 at the time of his passing, worked at the Linden Shop and had originally been posted at 59th St./Columbus Circle, said union staff member and friend Shannon Poland.

"He was a huge New York Giants fan and a very lovable guy," Poland said. "Always concerned about his fellow brothers and sisters on the tracks."

Track Division Chair Carlos Albert called Jones "a great union guy" and noted how difficult the timing of the loss must be for his family, being so close to the holidays.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family," said Albert. "He will be deeply missed by his peers, his union brothers and sisters."

A viewing from 4-6 PM and funeral service from 6-8 PM will be held Monday, December 8 at Good Tidings Gospel Chapel on 345 Malcom X Blvd. in Brooklyn, with a repast to follow Caribe Hall, located at 1963 Utica Ave., also in Brooklyn.

Given Jones' love of the New York Giants, his family is inviting attendees to wear their favorite sports jersey, and in lieu of flowers, contributions to the cost of his final arrangements are welcomed. Those wishing to contribute may send payment through Zelle to 917.774.7534 or kthomasjones@yahoo.com..

Three casinos are now in the process of being cleared to operate -- with $$ flowing to the MTA 's Operating Budget

MTA Expected to Receive "Windfall" from Casinos

DECEMBER 5—A "windfall" is likely coming to the MTA as a result of the approval of three casino licenses in the city, the New York Times reported. If, as expected, the State Gaming Commission issues the licenses by the end of the year, the casinos will pay the MTA $500 million in 2026 and 2027, with an additional $600 million in 2028, the paper said. All of the money must go to operating expenses, which can include employee salaries.

That’s a departure from some of the MTA’s other revenue streams, like congestion pricing, which is dedicated solely to the capital program. Recognizing this, New York State cut the deal with casino companies back in 2023 that directed revenue to the operating budget to prevent fare hikes and service cuts. As of this writing, however, a ten-cent fare hike is still in the cards for early 2026.

The MTA is also looking to save money by further cutting fare evasion—which costs the system $1 billion each year—by using a feature on the OMNY card that allows an enforcement agent to determine if the card was used to purchase a fare. That’s now the standard for most mass transit systems in Europe, where card readers carried by law enforcement can tell whether passengers used their card to pay or jumped the turnstile.

Rec. Sec. Shirley Martin Honored at Make the Grade Awards

DECEMBER 5—TWU Local 100 Recording Secretary Shirley Martin was honored Thursday evening for her years of dedicated union activism and mentorship at the Make the Grade Foundation's holiday gala, held at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows Park in Queens.

Sister Martin was presented with a crystal award and a proclamation by "Doctor" Bob Lee, the longtime WBLS radio host who founded Make the Grade. The foundation is a youth-focused organization made up of students, parents, teachers, community and clergy members with the goal of "edification of young minds". The award was presented at the 20th Annual Make the Grade Red Carpet Holiday Gala.

The award comes as no surprise to Local 100 members who know Sister Martin well as an inspiring speaker and mentor who has held many trail-blazing roles within the union including being the first female machinist hired in the Car Equipment Department and Car Equipment Vice President.

"Back in Jamaica, West Indies, where I come from, we used to sponsor the young kids in sports," said Martin upon recieving the award. "I didn't know when I came here that I would be more involved in this. Dr. Bob Lee, I appreciate this, and thank you so much."

Mass Membership Meeting Set for Jan. 24th

DECEMBER 4—Our Mass Membership Meeting is scheduled for January 24, 2026, and will be held at the Jacob Javits Center.

2026 is a contract year and we need to come out swinging. January's meeting will build on our strong foundation and prepare us for the fight ahead.

Just click on the image above to register. Good standing only.

Stations Dept. Mourns CTA Jose Loupadiere, 57

DECEMBER 1—CTA Jose Loupadiere died on November 27th after a brief battle with cancer, said Stations VP Robert Kelley Monday.

Brother Loupadiere, 57, worked PMs at Jackson Heights/Roosevelt and had eight and a half years of service with New York City Transit. Co-workers said he was a union activist who came to meetings and savored the companionship of his New York City Transit family, frequently going out to dinner and on trips with his brothers and sisters from work.

"Jose was a diamond in the rough," said Kelley. "He was hardworking, caring. He was the epitome of a hardworking union man. Always there for snow duty, he always answered the bell. He was selfless, putting co-workers and family first. During his fight with cancer, his brother John was with him every waking hour. I didn't just lose a co-worker—I lost a friend and a brother."

Brother Loupadiere will be remembered at a gravesite service on Wednesday, December 3, at 10:30 AM at Rosehill Cemetery at 792 E. Edgar Road in Linden, New Jersey.

A Thanksgiving Message from President Chiarello

Today I give thanks for the members of Local 100. Every day you bring diligence, hard work and honor to your jobs and to this union.

I am doubly thankful for those who are working today, keeping the city moving and making it possible for families and friends to come together for a holiday meal.

I am also thankful to be your president. Together, who we are as a union fills me with extraordinary pride. And I know that next year we’re going to come out swinging for a new contract. Because when we fight, we win!

But for now, may you all enjoy a safe and bountiful Thanksgiving holiday.

President Chiarello Appears on NY1 to Discuss the Hazards of OPTO: See Video Below

NOVEMBER 19—Appearing live on Pat Kiernan’s popular morning show on Spectrum’s NY1, Local 100 President John Chiarello told the host why NY Governor Kathy Hochul should sign the union’s bill mandating two person train operation in New York City Transit.

The overriding reason, Chiarello explained, is safety, with efficiency a close second. He recounted 2022’s subway shooting and smoke bomb attack on the N Train in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, where the heroic actions of Conductor Raven Haynes, in evacuating passengers calmly and professionally, reduced panic and may have saved lives.

“The Conductors are the eyes and ears of the subway system,” Chiarello said, noting that they see crimes in progress and, if a train is stopped by an emergency between stations, are responsible for evacuations along with the Train Operator.

Sharing in the victory: (l-r) Shop Steward Raphael Brock, Natividad Medina, and Grady Johnson

Big Gains at Big Bus San Francisco

NOVEMBER 17—Workers at Big Bus San Francisco, the Local 100 drivers who bring tourists to Haight Ashbury, Fisherman's Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge, have a new five-year contract that significantly boosts their wages and benefits.

In congratulating the negotiating team, Private Bus Lines Vice President Danny D’Amato said:

"Your union fought hard, and the gains in this Memorandum of Agreement are HUGE and I’m proud to have been able to achieve this with the help of my team, which includes San Fran Chair Raphael Brock, Lead Organizer Karla Kozak, Executive Director of Organizing Frank McCann, Senior Director of Legal Department Deirdre Feerick and most importantly our president John Chiarello for his leadership and for always giving us the necessary resources needed to execute these fair contracts that represent the dignity and respect our members deserve.”

The new agreement boosts pay at every step, lowers the number of part-timers to one-fifth of the workforce, ups the number of paid holidays to nine, and increases the amount of time workers can take for bereavement and family emergencies. Also included is one pet bereavement day.

Longevity pay also gets a boost, with a new $1,300 payout after 13 years of service and increases for all tiers. The employer will also pick up the full cost for the mandated DOT medical exam and renewal. There is a ratification bonus of $250 for members with less than five years on the job; for those over five years the bonus is $500.

Here are the complete details:

Council Health Committee Kills Horse Ban Hearing

NOVEMBER 14—With dozens of TWU Local 100 Horse Carriage Drivers and a large turnout from New York City Transit in attendance, the City Council’s Health Committee voted not to hold a hearing on the future of the horse carriage industry in New York.

Council Member Robert Holden, who is finishing up his final term in office, tried to force a hearing on Ryder's Law on his way out of the Council, but the four of the Council Members present—James Gennaro, Carmen de la Rosa, Justin Brannan and Oswald Feliz—voted not to convene a hearing, which concluded the matter.

One Council member voted yes and two others abstained. Without a new hearing, efforts to ban the industry are off the table for the rest of the year.

The contentious issue has been the subject of much press attention and political posturing for years, with major opposition to the horse carriage industry in Central Park coming from the animal rights group NYCLASS, which was founded by real estate mogul Steve Nislick. TWU Local 100 represents 170 Horse Carriage Drivers who want to continue the 166-year old tradition of treating tourists to stately carriage rides around the park, working with horses and supporting their families. 

The animals are well-treated, as testified to by multiple veterinarians, and benefit from city regulations which insure their comfort and health.

(l-r): Kristina Ching, Shallena Jabid, and Rita Simon

Bringing Holiday Cheer, Museum Workers Want Some for Themselves

NOVEMBER 14—The Grand Central New York Transit Museum looked a little more festive than usual when it opened Thursday morning. A mammoth train set dominated the space, with cars looping through models of tunnels from miniature snowy mountains to elevated tracks that led to a scale model of Grand Central Station itself.

Greeting customers were some of Local 100’s newest union members—MTA Sales Leads and Sales Associates who staff the museum’s three locations (2 Broadway, Grand Central, and Livingston Street in Brooklyn).

Kristina Ching, a four-year employee at the museum, is the Shop Steward for the Grand Central store. She’s one of about 35 members across the three locations who signed with TWU Local 100 in April to obtain better wages, benefits and working conditions.

Also representing workers in the shop is Shallena Jabid, with 26 years on the job. Both Ching and Jabid are on the bargaining committee, which just met with management at the table for the third time.

“I like working with people,” said Jabid. “So many come here just for information, every day—nothing to do with the museum—and we can help them.”

President Chiarello Presents Check to Recipient of Nelson Rivera Scholarship Award at SOMOS

NOVEMBER 8—While in Puerto Rico for the SOMOS conference, President John V. Chiarello on Friday presented a young doctorate student with the Nelson Rivera Scholarship Award in the amount of $5,000.

The student, Kenneth Pol-Rodriguez, attends Nova Southeastern University as a first-year graduate student after receiving his undergraduate degree in Medical Microbiology from University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo, where he maintained a 3.49 grade point average and was on the Dean’s List for all four years. He is expected to graduate as a Doctor of Pharmacy in 2029.

Carmen Flores, who is on the SOMOS Board of Directors, described Pol-Rodriguez’s activism, pointing out that the student had recently gone to Congress to advocate for college students to receive SNAP benefits so they could get proper nutrition while studying to become the next wave of leaders.

President Chiarello described Nelson Rivera’s contributions to not only Local 100 but also Puerto Rico, noting that Rivera was battling cancer as he devoted himself to helping the island’s people after the devastation of 2017’s Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 storm.

“When you say his legacy lives on, that’s the important part. Because now a young man is going to receive a check, and it’s not about the money, it’s about giving forward,” said President Chiarello. ”Maybe this young gentleman will be a senator, maybe he’ll cure cancer. Whatever he does, it’ll be in memory of someone who’s very near and dear to this union, and I want to carry that forward.”

“There’s no doubt about this, this guy was a fighter, but when you would talk to him on the side he was a gentleman, a scholar, and he fought like hell and I want that to live on,” President Chiarello said about Rivera, before shaking Pol-Rodriguez’s hand and wishing him well.