All News

Administrative VP Kemp to MTA Board: Bus Operators Demand Bulletproof Partitions

JUNE 25, 2026—This morning at the MTA Board meeting, TWU Local 100 Administrative Vice President Alexander Kemp demanded stronger protections for bus operators.

With violent attacks on buses increasing, the union is demanding that all 300 newly ordered buses come equipped with full bulletproof partitions to protect our members.

“We are demanding, not asking, demanding that those buses come with bulletproof partitions.”

TWU Local 100 Commemorates Juneteenth

JUNE 19, 2026—TWU Local 100 proudly recognizes Juneteenth, a day that celebrates freedom, honors the resilience of those who fought for it, and reminds us of the ongoing work to achieve equality and justice for all.

To mark the occasion, Local 100 placed a special Juneteenth ad in this week's edition of The Chief. We invite members to download and view the ad here, and if you have the chance, pick up a copy of The Chief to see it in print.

As a union built on solidarity, we remain committed to the values of dignity, respect, and opportunity for every worker.

We Move New York.

Statement from TWU Local 100 on the Death of Romanch Mahajan During Central Park Carriage Ride

JUNE 18, 2026—TWU Local 100 Administrative Vice President Alexander Kemp made the following statement in the aftermath of Wednesday's fatality in Central Park.

We’re absolutely gutted and stunned by this tragedy. We’ve never had a fatal accident like this before. We have shuttered the stables and ceased operations today while we have extensive internal discussions of safety protocols and how they can be improved.

The union supports the ongoing investigation and the reforms outlined in Intro 937, a bill introduced last week by Councilman Jim Gennaro. Intro 937 is a horse welfare and job protection bill that calls for, among other things, hitching posts throughout the park so drivers could tether and secure their horses, which could include locations where tourists often want to stop to take photos (such as in this tragic situation).

Necropsy Finds Toxic Plant Caused Death of Central Park Carriage Horse

JUNE 16, 2026—TWU Local 100 is calling for a thorough review of potentially toxic plants in Central Park after a necropsy performed by Cornell University found that carriage horse Deniz likely died after ingesting a highly poisonous Japanese yew plant.

The findings were announced during a press conference held by the union at Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan, where union leaders and carriage drivers pushed back against claims that the horse's death was the result of neglect or abuse and instead pointed to the presence of a deadly plant in an area regularly used by horses.

According to a pathologist at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, Deniz had "abundant" Japanese yew needles and plant material in his mouth and stomach. The report concluded that the amount of yew found inside the horse was "enough to be lethal."

TWU Local 100 Marches Proudly in Sunday's Puerto Rican Day Parade

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JUNE 14, 2026—The energy in the air was electric as hundreds of Local 100 members alongside union officers strutted and danced up 5th Avenue Sunday at the annual National Puerto Rican Parade.

“Today we celebrate Puerto Rican pride heritage and culture,” said President John V. Chiarello, addressing the lively crowd from atop the float before marching. “Hoy todos somos puertorriqueños.”

Following the Local 100 contingent was a New York City Transit bus decked out in Puerto Rican flags large and small, and a float adorned with balloons and banners, with TA Surface VP Gary Rosario's band playing live along the parade route.

Former TWU Local 101 President Mourned

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JUNE 15, 2026—Local 100 sends our deepest condolences after the passing of the longest-serving president of Local 101, who had been an accountant for Brooklyn Union Gas before she helmed the union for a record 27 years.

Marsha Spinowitz, who was born in 1948, was originally hired at the company in 1968, and became president in the 1980s. She also served as an International Vice President at TWU of America. In her later years, Spinowitz was 101’s President Emeritus. In all, she spent 48 years at Brooklyn Union Gas, which was later renamed National Grid.

"I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death," said TWU Local 101 President Constance Bradley. "They continue to participate in every act, thought, and decsiion we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint on our memories."

TWU Local 100 President John V. Chiarello remembered Spinowitz as a strong and determined leader.

"She was a fighter for labor and women's rights," he said.

Marsha’s family announced Monday with profound sadness that she "left us peacefully last night".

"Marsha was a dedicated and respected leader," her family said, encouraging union brothers and sisters to attend the services to be held in her honor.

A funeral service to celebrate Marsha's life will be held this upcoming Tuesday, June 16th, at Menorah Chapel, located at 2145 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314. The service will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. Guests are welcome to arrive starting at 9:00 AM to pay their respects and view photographs. Following the chapel service, a short graveside service will take place approximately 10 minutes away at Baron Hirsch Cemetery, expected to begin around 11:00 AM. Further details regarding a lunch reception will be shared once confirmed.

RTO Conductor, Train Operator Honored as ‘Keepers of the City’

JUNE 12, 2026 – Two Local 100 members were honored last night at the annual Straus News awards event, Keepers of the City. Conductor Chis Sarro and Train Operator Anthony Outieral were honored among 12 essential civil servants and local heroes who keep New York City running.

The award ceremony, hosted in partnership with District Council 37, recognizes city and state workers who go above and beyond for their communities.

Carriage Horses Stables Closed Wednesday for Mourning — Owner/Caretaker Saw No Signs of Illness

JUNE 10, 2026—The owner and caretaker of Deniz, a Central Park Carriage Horse that suddenly passed last night, is devastated.

“I really feel like I lost someone in the family,” said Nurettin Kirbiyik. “He was a beautiful horse. The best. Very friendly with kids. Everyone loved him and wanted to take pictures with him.”

Deniz, part draft horse, was brown with large patches of white. One of just a few with such coloring in the city, he drew attention and enjoyed it.

Family Day 2026 Takes Over Coney Island

JUNE 6, 2026—Nearly 7,000 Local 100 members and their families passed through the gates at Maimonides Park in Coney Island to spend a beautiful sunny Saturday together at this year’s annual Family Day.

“I dedicate this Family Day to everybody here,” said President John V. Chiarello. “Enjoy your family because we spend so much time at work, and you know [management] doesn’t appreciate you, but I do and this union does.”

Tier 6 Win for TWU Local 100

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MAY 26, 2026—After weeks of deliberations, lawmakers in Albany passed a state budget bill Tuesday including a significant win for TWU Local 100 members: raising the overtime cap on Tier 6 Pensions.

The biggest reform to Tier 6 since its creation in 2012, the new overtime cap will be raised from $21,589 to $30,000, the single largest increase in its history. The cap will then increase by 3% each year afterwards.

The original Tier 6 bill in 2012 capped pensionable earnings at $15,000 above a member’s base pay. The overtime cap has long been a focus of Local 100’s Tier 6 reform efforts due to its impact on transit workers, who are often required to work overtime.

“This victory is the result of diligent lobbying efforts and member support,” said President John V. Chiarello. “We are proud to secure this win for our members in a single legislative session. These changes do not happen overnight, but together we will keep fighting for the equity we deserve.”