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TWU Wants Tax Deduction for All Workers

JULY 24 -- Millions of hourly workers are ineligible for the new overtime tax deduction – a serious flaw Congress needs to fix. That’s the message the Transport Workers Union of America is sending to Congressional leaders, urging them to draft corrective legislation so all hourly workers can take advantage of the benefit: up to $6,000 in savings per year.

“Providing tax relief to blue-collar workers is a great idea,” TWU International President John Samuelsen said. “They deserve it much more than greedy corporate giants and hedge-fund vultures who never get their hands dirty or have to lift anything heavier than a cocktail. All blue-collar workers, however, must be deemed eligible.”

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) revised the tax code, allowing most hourly workers to deduct up to $25,000 in overtime pay from their yearly income for tax purposes. Congress passed the bill on July 3. However, the revision relies on an outdated definition of overtime dating back to a law enacted in 1938. As a result, an estimated 3 million workers were unintentionally excluded. They include workers employed by airlines, railroads, school bus companies, and motor coach carriers.

Twenty unions and affiliates signed a TWU-drafted letter sent on July 21 to House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Leader John Thune, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. “This is just the beginning of our efforts,” Samuelsen said. “We will be leading the charge on this until all our members get what they deserve.”

Second Arrest in Station Agent Assault at New Lots

JULY 24 -- Leschea Aldridge, 25, has been arrested in the June 28th assault on Station Agent Marshalee Reid at the New Lots Avenue on the 3 train. She was arraigned today in Brooklyn Supreme Court. 

Aldridge and an accomplice, Ayizhae Thomas, are accused of jumping the turnstile and illegally entering via the gate while Station Agent Reid was helping another customer. When Reid confronted them the duo reportedly set upon her, throwing her to the ground and hitting her with a set of keys, leaving her with facial lacerations and swelling to her hand.

Station Department VP Robert Kelley said, "I'm very happy that they arrested Leschea Aldridge, and she is still locked up today."

Kelley said that he talked personally with Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, who told him that he is seeking to have Thomas, who was released without bail, re-arrested. Gonzalez told Kelley that "we will be prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law. We are seeking bail for Thomas at a Supreme Court arraignment set for July 30."

V & D Section Mourns Dennis Serebrenik, 50

JULY 23 – Maintenance of Way members in the Ventilation and Drainage section are mourning the death of V&D Maintainer Dennis Serebrenik, who perished in an automobile accident yesterday, July 22, while in his native Russia. Brother Serebrenik had seven years with New York City Transit. He worked at the Broadway Lafayette shop.

V&D Section Chair Alfonso Simmons said: “Dennis wasn’t just a coworker. He was the kind of person who made the workplace feel like a second home. His warmth, his humor, and the way he treated everyone with kindness and respect made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. He had a way of lifting people up without even trying, simply by being himself-- genuine, humble, and full of heart.”

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At the Union training at Cornell were (l-r) Celeste Kirkland, Sha Grant, Harriette Goodridge-Seymour, Nivea Luke, Sabrina Rosado, Beverly Bolden, Quardesia Farmer, Joan Bygrave, Shameia Colter, Lillian Richardson, Christine Hough, Denise Long, and Surena Shoemo
At the Union training at Cornell were (l-r) Celeste Kirkland, Sha Grant, Harriette Goodridge-Seymour, Nivea Luke, Sabrina Rosado, Beverly Bolden, Quardesia Farmer, Joan Bygrave, Shameia Colter, Lillian Richardson, Christine Hough, Denise Long, and Surena Shoemo

Union Women Sharpen Skills at Cornell

JULY 21 -- In early July, 13 TWU Local 100 women took part in a week-long program at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Offered since 1975, these residential, college-based programs unite women workers, union leaders, and staff to strengthen labor knowledge and leadership skills. It was an opportunity for our Union Sisters to get an accelerated course in becoming even more effective than they already are.

Safety Director Celeste Kirkland said: “The women were put to the test; it’s a leadership class combined with life skills and how to fight for our rights. It’s about who you will become in the movement; what you will bring back to your organization.”

“This is about how to fight back in these treacherous times,” she added, “learning skills like noncompliance, contract negotiations, public speaking, and bargaining. It’s a heavy week – we there working from breakfast at 7:15 AM to 10 PM at night.”

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Update on Management-created Workers Compensation Catastrophe

JULY 19—President Chiarello blasted MTA Chairman Janno Lieber again on Saturday in continued correspondence over the gross mismanagement of worker’s compensation and differential payments that could result in 2,500 of our members not receiving that money on time thanks to Sedgwick, a third-party administrator chosen by the MTA this spring.

“[We] demand that you – the leader of the organization – stand up and take responsibility for the inept handling of this entire situation,” wrote President Chiarello.

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Union Jobs Available – Apply Now!

Know someone ready to start a solid career with great pay and benefits?

The MTA is hiring skilled tradespeople in carpentry, masonry, ironwork, plumbing, and electrical work.

Positions include:
• Structure Maintainer Group A (Carpenter) #4970
• Structure Maintainer Group B (Mason) #4972
• Structure Maintainer Group C (Ironworker) #7876
• Structure Maintainer Group E (Plumber) #4974
• Ventilation & Drainage Maintainer (Electric Fan & Pump Technician) #4965

Career Event: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Application Deadline: July 27, 2025
(You must apply online to receive an invite to the in-person assessment.)

Learn more and apply here!

This is your chance to build a future with one of the largest Unions in New York City.

SPECIAL MESSAGE TO OUR MEMBERS: PLEASE READ

Due to shockingly bad management by the MTA, some members may not get their workers compensation and differential checks on time.

On May 19, management unilaterally moved all claims management for workers compensation and the differentials into the hands of Sedgwick, a third party administrator. President Chiarello warned management not to make the move to Sedgwick if they weren’t ready. Less than two months later, the MTA is saying “a glitch in the system” has resulted in 2,500 claimants potentially not getting paid on time.

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Dozens of members pack Bronx courtroom in support of sister conductor who was slashed

JULY 16—In a strong show of solidarity, dozens of TWU Local 100 members came to Bronx Criminal Court Wednesday for the Supreme Court arraignment of Isaiah Thompson, who is charged with attacking a Conductor while she was on the job at the Whitlock Ave. 6 station on June 10.

At first pleading not guilty, Thompson’s lawyer struck his plea halfway through the appearance.

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