Scholarships Amounting $152,500 Awarded at Union Hall

AUGUST 7 — Carrying on a 15-year tradition, TWU Local 100 leadership, along with executives from M3 Technology, presented scholarship awards to 58 college students, the vast majority children of active members. M3 provides insurance products and benefits to union members.

Track Worker Shannon Poland, who coordinates the awards events, introduced President John V. Chiarello, who greeted the roomful of students and their proud parents.

“Some of us, including me, chose to learn a trade,” he said. “But for those pursuing higher education, we support you 100 percent – and then some. Whatever your passion is, whatever your calling – go for it, and don’t look back,” said Chiarello. “Make sure you thank your parents,” he told the scholars, “they have sacrificed more than you’ll ever know. Your success is our success.”

TWU Local 100 Mourns George Perlstein

We are saddened to announce that RCI George Perlstein passed away on August 4, 2025.

George was a tireless fighter for workers rights. He joined Transit in 1998 and from the very beginning he worked to better the lives of his colleagues, he never wavered in his positions and always put workers first. George served the membership in many capacities during his career, finishing up with the UAP, helping members to battle their demons and get their lives back on track.

George was a friend to everyone and was always available to lend an ear. His quick wit and great sense of humor always had his friends smiling. He will be missed by all. God Rest his Soul.

Shiva services are ongoing today, Thursday, August 7th at 1717 East 38th Street in Brooklyn from 11AM to 11PM for close friends and family.

President Chiarello and Other Top Officers Meet Newest Hires, Encourage Solidarity

AUGUST 6 — You've taken a civil service test for a transit job. You may have waited years to be called up. Then the day comes when you get the letter to report for training, and you’re on your way to a career with New York City Transit.
 
If you’re one of the thousands of New Yorkers who follow this path each year, this is when your life has the potential to really change—and you start on the one-year probationary period that determines whether the job is right for you and you are right for the job.
 
The first week is jam-packed, and management seems to have the upper hand when you get hit with a blizzard of regulations and policy prescriptions. But now it’s Tuesday, time for your trip to the Union Hall to hear about how best to get ready for your new career—and how the TWU has your back.
 
Yesterday our newest members were visited by President John V. Chiarello and the other members of the Top Four, who gave the fresh crop of hires some more food for thought in addition to their lunch.

file photo

What We Know About the Recent Subway Power Failures

AUGUST 6 — Multiple power outages crippled the transit system last week, most significantly at West 4th Street, where service on the B, C, D, F, and M trains was interrupted during morning and evening rush hours, giving thousands of straphangers a taste of 2017’s “Summer of Hell”.
 
The first outage occurred on Tuesday, July 29th at 8:32 AM, when “signal trouble at West 4th Street” caused delays in the A, B, C, D, E, F, and M trains according to internal logs.
 
Later that day, at 5:27, the MTA reported on their NYCT Subway X account that B service was suspended, with the reason given as “a loss of power to our signaling system.”
 
 

Woman Arrested for Assaulting Station Agent Brazenly Violates Court Order to Harass Victim at Co-defendant’s Arraignment

AUGUST 1 — One of two women who attacked Station Agent Marshalee Reid at the New Lots station on June 28 revictimized the transit worker Thursday when she showed up at her co-defendant’s court date to intimidate Reid.

Ayizhae Thomas was arraigned in Brooklyn Supreme Criminal Court on Wednesday, July 30 and allowed to continue her supervised release, to the disappointment and anger of the union and Reid, who is still suffering greatly from the brutal assault. 

“We have a mother who was assaulted for merely doing her job, and this individual walked free today,” said Robert Kelley, VP of Stations.

TWU Local 100 Financial Secretary-Treasurer Carlos Bernabel to be Honored at Dominican Day Parade

JULY 31 — TWU Local 100's own Carlos Bernabel, Financial Secretary-Treasurer, will be honored at the Dominican Day Parade on August 10 as an "Ambassador of Hope".

A native of Bani Provicia Peravia, Bernabel is the first Dominican-born Top Four officer of Local 100. 

Bernabel began his career as a Bus Operator in 1998 for Liberty Lines in Westchester County. He  was first elected to union office as a depot Recording Secretary. He became Division Chair of Private Operations in 2017 and was elected Administrative Vice President in 2024. In February Bernabel became Secretary-Treasurer of Local 100.

This year's Dominican Day Parade will mark the 43rd such celebration in New York City.

President Chiarello addresses the MTA Board

Chiarello Blasts Lieber at MTA Board Meeting

JULY 30 — TWU Local 100 President John V. Chiarello brought the fire to MTA CEO Janno Lieber at the MTA Board Meeting Wednesday over missing and delayed workers compensation payments for over 3,500 transit workers.

“I represent union members who have been physically injured, assaulted, emotionally scarred, and cannot work… these members are suffering [from] the burden of missed workers compensation payments. The last thing anyone should worry about as they try to heal is whether they can pay the light bill, the rent, or put food on the table,” said President Chiarello In his first appearance at the board meeting as TWU Local 100 President.  

TWU Local 100 Stands with PBA After Tragic Midtown Shooting

TWU Local 100 stands with President Patrick Hendry and the PBA after the tragic loss of Officer Didarul Islam in yesterday’s horrific shooting in midtown.

Our heartfelt condolences to the PBA and the officer’s family.

Our thoughts are also with the loved ones of the other victims targeted.

We recognize the dangerous job the men and women of the NYPD do every day to protect this city.

Sedgwick Faulted as MTA Board Members Question Crichlow

JULY 28 – After third-party payment processor Sedgwick bungled workers compensation claims, resulting in potentially thousands of TWU Local 100 members receiving no payments or only partial payments this month, TWU Local 100 President John V. Chiarello demanded an explanation. So, today, did MTA Board Members.

The failure was elevated to the level of the MTA Board as members questioned NYCT President Demetrius Crichlow on the issue in a public meeting Monday. Three board members registered their displeasure with Sedgwick Claims Management, the contractor chosen by the MTA to oversee workers compemsation claims at a cost to taxpayers of over $51 million for three years.

Update: President Chiarello Continues to Hold the MTA’s Feet to the Fire on Workers Compensation Debacle as Payments Resume

JULY 26—President John V. Chiarello is continuing to press for infomation and demand action from the MTA on their gross mishandling of workers compensation payments after “a computer glitch” was blamed for the delay in checks being received by our most vulnerable members.

In a letter sent Friday to President Chiarello from MTA New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow, the MTA boss wrote that the agency was “able to process approximately 600 differential payments this week and continue the verification process for the next pay cycle on Thursday, July 31”.

President Chiarello and International President Samuelsen tour Quill Depot

Local 100 Hosts AFL-CIO Transportation Trades’ Visit to Quill Depot

JULY 25 – TWU Local 100 President John V. Chiarello, alongside TWU International President John Samuelsen, hosted the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO for a tour of New York City Transit's largest Manhattan bus depot.

Also taking part in the tour was U.S. Congressman Jerry Nadler, representing Manhattan’s 12th Congressional District. As the most senior Northeastern member on the House Transportation Committee, he is considered a key expert and leading voice on transportation issues. 

Anthony Whitfield, center, stands with the Top Four officers shortly after he was sworn in. Behind him are other members of the Executive Board

Anthony Whitfield Sworn in to Executive Board

JULY 25 -- Anthony Whitfield, a Bus Operator out of Flatbush Depot with 25 years of service to New York City Transit, was sworn in today to the Local 100 Executive Board by President John Chiarello. Brother Whitfield, 50, who has served as Recording Secretary and Vice Chair of the Depot, stood for election earlier this year to replace Alexander Kemp on the Executive Board. Brother Kemp was elevated to Administrative Vice Preisdent.

Brother Whitfield is a second generation transit worker. His father drove out of the Fresh Pond depot. His appointment is effective immediately.

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.”

Second Arrest in Station Agent Assault at New Lots

JULY 24 -- Lashea 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 Lashea Aldridge, and she is still locked up today."

Kelley and the Union are calling on the courts to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.

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.”