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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Theodore Mapes, Retired UAP Director, Is Mourned

Local 100 is mourning the passing of Theodore “Teddy” Mapes, retired MABSTOA Bus Operator and Director of the Local 100 Union Assistance Program. He was 82 and died of natural causes on July 8, 2025.  He was born in Astoria, NY on January 2, 1943.

Arrest in Beating of Station Agent

JULY 16 -- Police have made an arrest in the June 29 assault of Station Agent Marshalee Reid. Ayizhae Thomas, accused of being one of two women who attacked Reid, faces multiple charges, including assault, criminal possession of a weapon and menacing. She is being arraigned in Brooklyn Criminal Court today.

A Message From the President

JULY 15-- Governor Hochul announced yesterday that the MTA is having a record year for both ridership and performance, and I want to thank you, the members of TWU Local 100, because it’s your hard work and dedication have made that possible.

From the tunnels to the bus lanes, delays are down. Safety is up. Riders are more satisfied.

TWU Local 100 Mourns the Passing of Josephine Arroyo, Retired Vice President of Local 101

It is with deep sadness that TWU Local 100 acknowledges the passing of our beloved sister in labor, Josephine Arroyo, retired Vice President of our sister union, Local 101. Josephine was more than a leader — she was a fierce advocate, a compassionate listener, and a constant presence in the lives of the members she served with unwavering dedication.

Present at the drawing were union leaders as well as M3 Tech CEO John Pescitelle (at far right)

$152,500 in Scholarships are Awarded to Members and Family

JULY 3 -- $152,500 in scholarship grants were awarded to college students, including Local 100 members and their families in a random drawing conducted at the Union Hall. While an online audience watched on Zoom, Local 100 Recording Secretary Shirley Martin drew the first name from a spinning basket. That first scholarship was worth $10,000.

Local 100 President John V. Chiarello was present at the drawing along with Recording Secretary Martin, Administrative VP Alexander Kemp, and John Pescitelli, whose company, M3 Technology, sponsors the awards. The Zoom recording, which shows the reading of the names in real time, will be posted on the Local 100 site soon, along with the names of the 61 winners. 30 alternates were also drawn, if any winners can't provide documentation of college enrollment.

Michael Cumberbatch Recalls 32 Years of Moving New York

JULY 1 -- Your Train Operator glides to a smooth stop. You make your connection to the next train. Your mind is on anything beside the trip because you know you’re in good hands. The best subway ride is the one you don’t even notice.

Flanked by Station VP Robert Kelley, Adm. VP Alexander Kemp, and Div. Chair Nicolette Browne, Pres. Chiarello addresses the media on the assault against a Station Agent. Behind them is her image on a monitor.

Union Holds Press Conference to Highlight Assault on Station Agent

JULY 1 -- A press conference was held today at the union hall to highlight the case of Marshalee Reid, a Station Agent who was assaulted by two women at the New Lots Avenue Station in Brooklyn. At about 1:15 p.m. On Saturday, June 28th, Station Agent Reid was providing customer service when she was jumped by one lady who had vaulted the turnstile and another lady who used the gate to enter the station without paying.

Miss Reid was thrown to the ground. She suffered facial lacerations and a swollen hand. At the time, the Station Agent was recovering from brain surgery which took place last year. She was on restricted duty at the station.