Local 100 Recognized by TransitCenter

A research and advocacy organization with a national reach has granted a public service award to TWU Local 100 for its representation of transit workers during the pandemic. TransitCenter Executive Director David Bragdon presented the “Special Award for Outstanding Public Service and Contributions to Worker Safety” in a virtual event.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority, The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District and the leader of the Cincinnati Better Bus Coalition also were honored for their efforts during the global health crisis that has been devastating: more than 18 million Americans have been infected and approximately 310,000 have died, including more than 90 Local 100 members.

TWU Local 100’s efforts have included: fighting for workers’ right to wear masks and for the MTA to provide PPE; successfully advocating for rear-door boarding of buses and improved partitions; aggressive cleaning and disinfecting protocols; face shields for conductors, and an early-detection program with Covid testing at bus and subway work locations.

“For their fight for worker protections and their commitment to keeping NYC and essential workers moving, TWU Local 100 wins the Frequency for Outstanding Public Service and Contributions to Worker Safety,” the TransitCenter said in the award announcement. “During the early days of the pandemic, as New Yorkers were being urged to stay home if we could, transit workers continued to keep NYC and the essential workers we all depend on moving. Transit workers were part of our public health response, keeping hospital workers, grocery store workers, government employees, and other essential workers moving, all while needing stronger protections for their own safety.”

The TransitCenter continued: “During this time, Local 100 was dealing with the risks of operating during the outbreak, fighting for worker protections like PPE and stronger distancing measures, expanded sick leave and quarantine policies, and the recognition that transit workers deserved. TWU Local 100 was a leader in this fight, securing protections and raising awareness of worker needs that benefited transit workers nationally.”

MaBSTOA Vice President and Local Chief of Staff Richard Davis accepted the award on behalf of President Utano, Local 100 officers and members. “Transit workers have always been essential to the day-to-day life of New Yorkers,” Davis said.  “We get New Yorkers to their jobs, schools, churches, doctor’s appointments and countless other destinations. But throughout this crisis, transit workers have been more than essential. They have been critical to the city’s very survival. When this pandemic hit, New Yorkers were counting on transit workers being there for them. Transit workers delivered. They stepped up like heroes.”