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Unions Under Attack: The Case of the Postal Service

Benjamin Franklin started it – will Elon Musk finish it?

People have to get from point A to point B – that’s what our jobs are all about. Letters and packages have to get there, as well. But technology is affecting both jobs – those of transit workers and letter carriers. Unlike people, letters can be digitized – and as email takes the place of letters, that affects the number of workers hired and retained by the US Postal Service.

It’s been a downward spiral. Most recently, in March, DOGE reached an agreement with the USPS to cut billions of dollars from its budget and finalize a voluntary retirement program to cut 10,000 employees. The Washington Post has reported that industry executives are preparing for government efforts to outsource mail and package handling, and long-haul trucking routes, and to offload leases for unprofitable post offices.

But postal unions are fighting back, pointing out that, especially in rural areas, the post office is a lifeline, although it is unprofitable. Don Maston, President of the National  Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, told the Guardian that “it’s not the US Postal Business, it’s the US Postal Service. It’s owned by we, the people, you and I and every other American.”

Mail-in ballots and Social Security documents – both delivered exclusively by the Postal Service – are in the crosshairs of Republican legislators who want to see in-person voting only and in-person transactions at Social Security offices. That’s another reason why the USPS is under attack.

The union legacy of the Postal Service – like the transportation industry, is that we have built the middle class, particularly when it comes to advancement for Black Americans. Mirroring transit industry demographics, the Postal Service is one of the leading employers of minorities and women, with minorities comprising 39 percent and women comprising 40 percent of the workforce. 22 percent of employees are African-American.

Almost all of the 640,000 workers at the USPS are unionized, and they have been holding rallies around the country fighting budget cuts. The National Association of Letter Carriers, one of the constituent unions, launched a “Fight Like Hell” campaign to unite all postal unions to push for a fair contract. Their last contract brought meager raises of 1.3%, 1.4%, and 1.5% covering 2023, 2024, and 2025. Just as transit supplies a lifeline to all Americans, so does the Postal Service – and that’s why it’s in the interests of all union members to advocate for these workers.
 

Workers Memorial Day 2025

APRIL 28 -- Today, on Workers Memorial Day, we commemorate those transit workers who have died or suffered injuries or illnesses while on the job. We also recognize the sacrifices made by all essential workers on the front lines, and commit to the continued fight for strong safety and health protections.

As part of the broader labor movement, we come together with union members, advocates, and allies to demand safer workplaces, stronger enforcement of labor protections, and accountability for employers who put workers at risk. Today we stand in solidarity to ensure that no worker is forced to sacrifice their health or their life for a paycheck. Our jobs are dangerous. Safety must always be job one.

VP Danny D'Amato congratulates members at NY Waterway on their new contract
VP Danny D'Amato congratulates members at NY Waterway on their new contract

Waterway Drivers Approve New Five-Year Contract

APRIL 25 -- Bus Drivers at New York Waterway have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new five-year contract negotiated by Local TWULocal100. The agreement is retroactive to January 1 of this year and extends through 2029.

Danny D'Amato, Vice President of the Union's Private Bus Lines / MTA Bus /School Bus Department congratulated members of the unit which represents Drivers at the ferry company. Under the new contract, members will see starting wages increase by 16%. Increases are progressive, with the newest members seeing wage gains of 35 to 39%, and senior members getting between 18 and 19 percent, both reaching $34/hour over the term of the agreement. Sick days have increased to 6 per year.

Other gains include increased company contributions to the vision plan, new language that protects full time work, and a cap on worker contributions to the company’s health care plan. Longevity pay is also going up to $1,250 based on years of service. The unit has 45 members.

NY Waterway is currently hiring. You can read their latest offer here.

 

 

Transit Workers are Environmental Warriors

APRIL 22 -- You can breathe easier on Earth Day knowing that our system is doing more to fight against the adverse effects of climate change than any other. The transportation sector, powered mainly by fossil fuels, is the largest single source of emissions in the United States, accounting for 28% of all national greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. However, over half of these emissions come from passenger cars and trucks. In contrast, public transit emits a fraction of the emissions compared to the same commute by car.

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President John V. Chiarello Meets with PBA Leadership to Advance Shared Safety Priorities

APRIL 21 -- Last Friday, TWU Local 100 President John V. Chiarello secured a meeting with the Patrick Hendry, President of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) to address growing concerns around safety across the transit system. That meeting took place as scheduled today, April 21, 2025 marking an important step forward in building collaboration between our two unions. The conversation focused on how TWU Local 100 and the PBA can work together to improve safety outcomes for transit workers, police officers, and the riding public.

Both unions recognize that frontline workers are facing escalating challenges, and that stronger coordination is essential. This initial discussion set the stage for an ongoing partnership rooted in shared priorities: greater presence in high-risk areas, faster response protocols, and improved communication between transit and law enforcement personnel. We thank the PBA for their partnership and look forward to continued engagement that delivers real protections for the men and women who keep New York City moving.

Calling All Veterans: Share your photos!

If you served in the military and you're a member of TWU Local 100, we want to honor you at the TWU Convention this September — but we can’t do it without you.
TWU is building a special before-and-after tribute featuring our union’s veterans.

Please send in two photos if you have them:

  • One from your military service
  • One current photo of yourself.

Email them to: twuveterans@twu.org Your story matters. Your service matters.
This is your moment to be recognized by your union brothers and sisters across the country.
The sooner you send your photos, the better. Let’s make this tribute meaningful while ensuring you're part of it.

Unions Under Attack: New Legislation Would Protect Federal Workers

APRIL 14 -- Two Congressmen from opposite sides of the aisle – Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Jared Golden (D-ME) have  introduced a bill that would nullify President Trump’s March 27 Executive Order ending collective bargaining rights for most federal employees.

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Transit Museum Shines a Light on Our History

APRIL 11 -- Steps away from TWU Local 100’s office (referred to by union members as the Union Hall), the New York City Transit Museum displays historical artifacts of the New York City Subway, bus, and commuter rail systems. However, until last month, the 20 Sales Associates who work there had no union representation. That changed on March 25, when we organized them.

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