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.

During his remarks, President Chiarello admired the fighting spirit of Puerto Ricans, and fondly remembered former Administrative Vice President Nelson Rivera, a proud Puerto Rican who passed away from cancer six years ago, saying Rivera "fought til the last day"..

"The Puerto Rican people never gave up and never gave in. Does that sound familiar? Because that’s what Local 100 does—from fighting for safety, from fighting for members, from fighting for dignity and equality, and fighting for a contract!" Chiarello said to applause from the members.

We thank our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters for the resilience and strength they bring to our union family every day. Thank you to everyone who celebrated this special day with us.

Puerto Rican Day Parade 2026