Major Takeaways from TWU Women's Appreciation Day

On May 16 2025, TWU Local 100 celebrated Women’s Appreciation Day by uplifting the women who power our city’s transit system while also sounding the alarm for the contract fight ahead. The day started with a rejuvenating open house at Union Hall, where members enjoyed yoga, massages, aromatherapy, giveaways, and more, thanks to health and wellness practitioners. But the energy shifted into high gear during the evening program, where union leadership connected appreciation to action.

Local 100 President John V. Chiarello saluted the grit and pride of women across all job titles—bus operators, maintainers, cleaners, signal techs, office staff, and more. “You do it all, and you do it with pride… Every single person in this room is a foot soldier in the fight for a contract,” he said, emphasizing that this will require real strength and solidarity. He pointed to recent gains, like securing 300 new hires through Albany negotiations, and urged members to prepare for what’s ahead. TWU International President John Samuelsen followed with a clear warning of what is at stake.

“Every time Janno Lieber opens his mouth, it’s a detriment to transit workers,” he said, outlining management’s likely playbook—cutting conductor jobs, pushing part-time operators, and privatizing some rehab work in MOW and Stations. Samuelsen called for a smart, strategic fight backed by full member involvement. “You won’t win every fight; but if you don’t fight, you’re guaranteed to lose.” He added. The evening also featured powerful speeches by Bus Operator Shannon Douglin, a breast cancer survivor who urged early testing; TWU Director of Civil and Human Rights Shirley Duff, who reminded the room that the only limits are the ones we accept; and Justice Robin K. Sheers, who emphasized the importance of self care and self worth in male-dominated workplaces.

The program ended on a high note with a cultural performance by the Bombazo Dance Company, bringing Puerto Rican and Indigenous rhythm to the hall and getting the crowd on their feet. Nonetheless, the President’s message was clear: Women are essential to this fight and TWU women are ready. Make sure you’re at the next rally, we have a contract to win.

First Contract at Haddam-Killingworth Brings Raises of 25%

May 23 – A new contract for 60 school bus drivers and monitors in the Haddam-Killingworth school district in Connecticut has brought major improvements for workers.

“They contacted us, asking for representation,” said School Bus Division Chair Gus Moghrabi, who oversees the Union’s school bus operations. Employees at the company, which is run by the massive school bus firm Student Transportation of America, began meeting last April with Director of Organizing Frank McCann and his associate Karla Kozak to discuss what the Union could offer.

Local 100 Quill Scholarship Winners Announced; 7 Other Awards Also Given

MAY 21 -- Michael J. Quill scholarship recipients have been announced by the TWU International. Each winner receives $4,800 in four installments of $1,200 over the four years of college. The TWU Local 100 winners include: