Media Covers Tragic Death of Brother Hilarion Joseph

CBS Reports on the death of Track Worker Hilarion Joseph on Nov. 29th. The story was also covered by most local TV stations and news radio stations, as well as the New York Daily News, the NY Post, and Gothamist.

Statement from Richard Davis on Line of Duty Death this Morning

NOVEMBER 29 --

Brothers and Sisters.

This morning, I reported to the scene of the incident that resulted in the loss of one of our members from the Track Division. It is with heavy hearts that we share the unfortunate news that our fellow member was involved in a tragic incident with a train. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers during this difficult time. An ongoing investigation is underway.

In light of this, please be advised that a 24 hour safety stand down for right of way is being issued effective immediately.

I want to assure my full support to the family and any affected members during this tragic event. Today we grieve the loss of one of our own, and it is crucial that we come together in solidarity. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Please take care of yourselves and one another.

With deepest sympathy,
Richard Davis, President

Table Tennis Tourney in Car Equipment Building Cameraderie

NOVEMBER 15 – The competitive spirit is alive and well in Car Equipment, where over 50 members are competing in a table tennis tournament starting this month.

Organized by CED member Lyubomyr Kharko, who previously organized a chess tourney, table tennis action has gotten underway across the system at Coney Island Overhaul, 207 Street Overhaul, East New York Maintenance, and Pelham Barn.

November is for preliminary rounds, so members from Car Equipment can still sign up to play. Four winners will be decided at the final stage of competition in December. Members are competing at lunchbreaks and on their own time, which works because of the quick nature of play.

CED Executive Board Member Gregory Dunichev, who secured the support of TWU Local 100, says the fun has a positive side beside the joy of competitive sport – members get into better physical shape, and cheering on friends boosts camaraderie and union spirit.

Chinese Day 2023 -- A Great Evening in Sunset Park

Hundreds of Union members came to our annual Chinese Day celebration in Sunset Park, including longtime political ally State Senator John Liu. Here are photos from the event.

Italian Day 2023 -- Enjoy the Photos

Our Italian Day this year took place on October 25th at a new venue -- The Church of Saints Simon & Jude at 185 Van Sicklen St. in Brooklyn. A great time was had by all, especially the kids!

Greetings on Diwali

NOVEMBER 11 -- Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Local 100 greets our many Indian and South Asian members in the spirit of Diwali.

Richard Davis, President

Arbitration Win Sets the Record Straight

In a decision on 10/31/23, Arbitrator Howard C. Edelman, Esq. ruled "The Employers' unilateral action in changing the clear and consistent application of Sections 3.5(E) and 6.2 (A) (2) (d) violated the collective bargaining agreement, embodied in the longstanding past practice established by the parties to the extent indicated herein. Employers shall cease and desist from its current application of the provisions at issue." This verdict reinforces our commitment to upholding the terms of our collective bargaining agreement and maintaining consistency in our practices.
 

In light of recent claims made, the attached PDF letters, one from Carrube, head of the supervisors association, and our response, set the record straight and address the matters raised.

See below:

  

For a comprehensive understanding of the situation and to view the full arbitration details, you can access these documents here.

 

Bus Op. Felix Checo's Quick Thinking Saves a Life!

WATCH NOW:

Dubbed an MTA Hero by ABC News, Felix Checo, a dedicated TWU Local 100 Member saved a life last month.

On October 3, while Checo was at the helm of the Bx9 bus, he received word that a passenger had become unconscious. Checo promptly secured the bus, ensuring the safety of the passengers on board, and facilitated their exit. He then immediately attended to the distressed passenger. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Checo took swift action by dialing 911 for assistance. 

Given that EMS services were delayed due to traffic congestion, he initiated life-saving chest compressions and CPR. Within minutes, the EMS team arrived, taking charge of the situation and efficiently transporting the unconscious passenger to the hospital. It is largely thanks to the swift and skilled response by Felix Checo that the customer regained consciousness. The New York Police Department promptly informed the Department of Buses about this positive turn of events, underlining Checo's instrumental role in this life-saving incident.

 

Breast Cancer Walks Raise $38K; Bring Members Together

Over 100 members from various departments joined forces on October 15th in Central Park and on October 22nd in the Bronx to make strides against breast cancer. The event, organized by the American Cancer Society and heavily supported by the Union, exemplified the strength of community in the fight against this disease, with over $38,000 raised for the ACS.

Notably, Tonya Thompson, a member, breast cancer survivor and Making Strides Organizer, honored West Farms and Kingsbridge Bus Depots with special banners in recognition of their significant turnout. This heartfelt gesture highlighted the power of collective support in battling breast cancer. The day was not only about raising awareness; it was a celebration of joy and unity.

Attendees were also treated to thrilling performances by the Universoul Circus Act, featuring dancers on stilts, rollerblade trick-stars, and acrobat contortionists. The energetic acts added an exciting dimension to the event. The walk itself served as a symbol of hope and determination, with each step reinforcing TWU Local 100's commitment to supporting breast cancer research and finding a cure. The collective energy was palpable, propelling the cause forward.

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CBS Report: Assaults on Transit Workers Rising

WATCH NOW:

  Stations Vice President Robert Kelley was interviewed in a CBS 2 investigative report focusing on assaults on transit workers which aired on October   30th. The report by reporter Tim McNicholas documents a four-year upward trend in these assaults, putting a spotlight on never-before-seen videos of bus assaults which the station obtained through public records requests.

   In response to subway assaults against his members, Kelley commits to name and shame prosecutors who don't recommend tough penalties for perps and judges who give them slaps on the wrist instead of jail time. Local 100's advocacy has resulted in a surge of policing, mainly on subways, but more needs to be done.

  In addition to more police in the system, the Union supports maximum penalties for those who assault transit workers as well as permanent banning from the system. 

 

Lindbergh Ray of MTA Bus Appointed to Executive Board

OCTOBER 23 -- Lindbergh Ray, who serves as College Point Transportation Vice Chair, was appointed to the TWU Local 100 Executive Board in September. He was sworn in today by President Richard Davis at the regular meeting of the Executive Board. In the photo with Davis are Recording Secretary LaTonya Crisp and MTA Bus/School Bus/Private Lines Vice President Danny D'Amato. Brother D'Amato said: "I have have known him throughout the years as a strong advocate for Unionism and he’s the right choice for the Executive Board." Congratulations!

Davis, Samuelsen Address SAG-AFTRA Rally at NBC Studios

OCTOBER 3 – More than 300 TWU members from across the country brought strong solidarity to the SAG-AFTRA picket line outside of NBC studios today as the union began bargaining again with TV and motion picture management. A huge crowd of striking SAG-AFTRA members were joined by TWU Brothers and Sisters as we jammed 49th Street at Rockefeller Center.

SAG-AFTRA New York Local Executive Director Rebecca Damon introduced us with the following words: “While some people were busy watching Netflix on their couches [during the recent floods], these were the people who came to work so that the doctors and nurses could get people taken care of. That is no small thing. For me, when I hear the TWU, I think of heroes, because that is what they are, and that is one of the reasons why their support means so much to me today."

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Plea for Help as Union Sister Loses Home in Bed Stuy Fire

SEPTEMBER 25 -- Women's Committee and Family Assistance Coordinator Giselle Martinez is asking for help for CTA N. Powell, a six-year transit employee with Car Equipment. She was burned out of her home in Brooklyn early Sunday Morning. The blaze was covered extensively by local media. The fire displaced 50 families from their home on MacDonough Street, among them our Union Sister. Three people were injured.

Fortunately, Sister Powell and her daughter Jazell, 5, escaped unhurt. They were put up in a hotel room by the Red Cross but unfortunately lost all of their possessions. Ms. Powell is asking for donations of clothing -- stretch pants, medium sized tops, and shoes, size 8. Her daughter needs kids size 6 clothes and kids size 12 shoes. They also need food, toiletries, and whatever else members can donate.

Those wishing to help the family can reach out to Giselle at 917-704-6727, or email her at gmartinez@twulocal100.org

 

A Soulful African American Parade Celebration (2023)

SEPTEMBER 17 -- In the heart of Harlem, as we eagerly awaited the start of the African American Day Parade, the tempting aroma of Charles Pan Fried Chicken beckoned us. Crispy fried chicken, buttery cornbread, and flavorful collard greens filled the air. Families, friends, and communities had come together, adorning floats with colorful decorations, banners, and messages of hope and resilience. The energy was palpable, as laughter and joyful chatter filled the air. As the parade kicked off, the music started to play, and the crowd erupted into cheers. Drum lines and marching bands captivated Harlem, while dancers and performers graced the streets with their incredible talents.

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Eastern European Day Brings Festivities to Brighton Beach

SEPTEMBER 17 -- 800 Transit Brothers and Sisters celebrated their Eastern European heritage at Tatiana's in Brighton Beach, with great food, entertainment, and the presence of Union leadership including President Richard Davis, former President Tony Utano, CED Vice President Shirley Martin, and -- always glad to be back in South Brooklyn from his busy schedule -- TWU International President John Samuelsen. Grigoryi Dunichev from CED was the MC, and the floor show was even bigger and better this year! Enjoy the photos of the event.