TWU Local 100 | New York's Public Transit Union

All news

"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. He would have celebrated 15 years on the job the previous day.

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 at 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:

More news

Stay Connected

Working in the Cold

Watch for the warning signs of hypothermia Most dangerous for exposure: evening elevated outdoor work, especially with a wind. click on the image for safety precautions