We Commemorate the Workers Killed at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire -- 113 Years Ago

MARCH 25 -- Today marks the 113th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in Greenwich Village in 1911. It was the greatest industrial disaster in the history of the city, causing the deaths of 146 garment workers – 123 women and girls and 23 men – who died from the fire, smoke inhalation, falling, or jumping to their deaths. Most of the victims were recent Italian or Jewish immigrant women and girls.

Because the doors to the stairwells and exits were locked – a common practice at the time to prevent workers from taking unauthorized breaks and to reduce theft – many of the workers could not escape from the burning building and jumped from the high windows. There were no sprinklers in the building. The fire led to legislation requiring improved factory safety standards and helped spur the growth of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU), which fought for better working conditions for sweatshop workers. It paved the way for safety rules and fire regulations which have protected millions of workers to date.

Remembering the tragic fire and the union's vital role in protecting workers, we say along with Mother Jones: Pray for the dead, and fight like hell for the living.

Healthcare Update: Aetna and NY Presbyterian Agreement Reached!

For members who may have received an email or correspondence from NY-Presbyterian about their negotiations with Aetna: A agreement has been reached! The ongoing negotiations between Aetna and NY-Presbyterian have been settled. These negotiations are a standard part of the process, aimed at securing the best possible health plan for you. At this time, your coverage remains unchanged. There will be no impact on your ability to receive care at NY-Presbyterian facilities. Your health and well-being is a top priority. If you have any questions or concerns contact your union rep or call Aetna at 1-855-824-5349

Richard Davis, President

National Transit Worker Appreciation Day

MARCH 18 -- It's National Transit Worker Appreciation Day. Whether you operate a bus or a train, make announcements and ensure safety, fix and repair rolling stock, serve customers at transit hubs, clean and maintain our system, transport schoolchildren or tourists, you are valued and you are our reason for being at TWU Local 100, the greatest and most powerful transportation union in the United States. Through the routine and the unexpected, we are the bedrock of New York, keeping this great City moving 24/7.

Appreciation is often not extended to you when you deserve it. That's why we get on the news to make sure the public understands what it is that we do and the hazards of our jobs, even as we are committed to ensuring ever better wages, working conditions, and benefits for you as we go forward. Never forget that we are a Union family and that the fact of our solidarity, above all else, will secure our future.

Union Mourns Station Agent Marty Goodman, 74, Dedicated Activist

MARCH 17 -- The Union regrets to announce the passing of former Executive Board Member and longtime Station Agent Marty Goodman, who was found deceased at his residence in Manhattan yesterday. Marty cut a wide swath as a progressive activist not only in the labor movement but also in the fight against imperialism in Haiti and in favor of the rights of Palestinians. He retired from NYCT several years ago.

Newly Renovated Parsons-Archer Crew Facility

Jamaica Center, March 15th 2024 - Sec’y Treasurer Chiarello, RTO VP Gomez, officers, members, and NYCT personnel inaugurate the newly renovated crew facility in the home of the E & J lines.

Chiarello praised the work of our in-house maintenance crews, and Gomez welcomed the improvements for RTO members.

MoW Mourns the passing of V&D Maintainer Kenneth Devens

Members at Hydraulics and Emergency Response are mourning the death of Ventilation and Drainage Maintainer Kenneth Devens, 67. Brother Devens had 9 years with NYCT. He was remembered by Shop Steward Alfonso Simmons as a kind-hearted Union Brother who had a talent for woodworking and created wood inlays for co-workers showing their name and work location.

Structure Chair Kenneth Bachoo, MOW Vice President Richard Rocco, Secretary-Treasurer John V. Chiarello, and President Richard Davis send their condolences to Brother Devens' family.

Funeral arrangements can be found here

Update on the shooting at Hoyt / Schermerhorn

MARCH 14 -- Another tragic shooting has occurred within the subway system. Gunfire broke out aboard a Northbound A train in the conductor's car. Thankfully, the train crew emerged physically unharmed from the ordeal. Upon learning of the incident, Division Chair Jonluke Rodriguez, along with union representatives Ernest Boyce and Denise Long, immediately mobilized response efforts.

TWU Takes on Lieber, DA Bragg on Workforce Safety

MARCH 12 -- TWU Local 100 President Richard Davis took the fight to the MTA and the Manhattan DA in a full page New York Post ad, which names MTA CEO Janno Lieber and DA Alvin Bragg as "dumb and dumber," derelict in their responsibilities to address crime in the transit system. We followed up on the ad with a news conference in which President Davis said Lieber hasn't demonstrated enough concern for transit workers and that Bragg's decisions on what penalties to seek in two high-profile assault cases were far too lenient.

The Union is advocating for measures including demands for better police deployment -- focusing on areas where we Local 100 members are operating -- along with a demand that Judges enforce involuntary commitment laws against the violent mentally ill. Other specifics include a request that judges ban persons accused of assaulting transit workers from the transit system as a condition of release pending trial.

Womens Day, Health Fair Set for Friday, March 22nd

TWU Local 100 invites you to join us for our annual International Women's Day celebration at the Union Hall on the 3rd floor.
The program begins at 5PM.

In conjunction with our Women's Day Celebration, we are hosting a health and wellness fair on site, from 3PM to 9PM. Enjoy Benefits Providers, Biometric Screening, Lectures, Nutrition, Fitness & Relaxation Techniques, Smoothie Bike, Paraffin Wax, Hot Beverages. All members are invited, but remember— ladies first!

Wishing a blessed Ramadan to our members!

As we begin this sacred month of reflection and unity, we recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of our Muslim members. Your dedication strengthens our union. #1u #ramadankareem #wemoveny #memberbuilt #memberstrong #memberdriven

TWU Local 100 CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

MARCH 8 -- Empowering women in every station of life! Today, we celebrate the incredible contributions of our amazing Union Sisters at TWU Local 100. Happy International Women’s Day!

Straight from the Union: Your Source for Accurate Information

When you receive information directly from our union, rest assured it comes from a reliable and credible source! We have an obligation to provide you with the most accurate information we have, based on the facts.

Attached, you will find a letter reminding us of the importance of adhering to Article XV of our union bylaws. This article stipulates that all literature or communications regarding Union policy or official activities must receive approval from the Executive Committee before distribution. This includes leaflets, posters, and any other materials intended for circulation among our membership. Additionally, we reiterate the importance of adhering to our union's policies regarding event participation, marketing, and the use of our union logo.

Please take this opportunity to stay informed and review the attached letter.

Thank you for your attention to these important matters!

Two Transit Assault Cases Tried on Same Day; Union Calls on DA to Up Charges

THURSDAY, MARCH 7 – Local 100 President Richard Davis and Stations VP Robert Kelley faced off against  Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg at Manhattan Criminal Court this morning.

News reporters converged on Manhattan Criminal Court for the trials of two men accused of assaulting transit workers. The hearings in adjacent courtrooms underscored the newly dangerous climate affecting our members.

Mohammed Abdellahi is facing charges of assault in the second degree for attacking Station Agent Noreen Mallory on February 20th, resulting in the fracturing of her eye socket. In his case, the District Attorney’s office is asking for two years in prison. In the other case, Rashon Eagle is facing charges of attacking Bus Operator Moses Adams with a knife on February 10th while he was operating an M15 bus. The DA is asking for five years’ prison time and five years’ supervised release in that case.

“Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg should at least give the full penalty of 7 years,” President Davis said. “To classify an attempted murder as Assault in the 2nd degree with a penalty of five years is wrong. For a man to bludgeon the face of a Station Agent – how could they offer only two years?”

“The DA is taking our lives for granted. The court has to support our membership. The law says seven years – but that’s not enough. This is attempted murder!”

Stations VP Robert Kelley said: “Ms. Mallory is not here because she is fearful of coming into the subway system. Now it’s time for the court to support us. This guy [Abdellahi] is an immigrant. Now you’re going to give him two years? The recommended full penalty is seven years.

“With a difference of three seconds [when a train was entering the station and Station Agent Mallory was thrown against it] we would be at a funeral, not the courthouse. We are telling the DA: we mean business. Our members bring you to work. Fight for the MTA workers. Stand by us.”

Davis noted that no MTA official attended the court hearings today. “Judges and prosecutors have to support us,” he added. “MTA CEO Janno Lieber does not support us. Our members’ lives are valuable.”

New hearing dates in the two cases have been scheduled, May 23rd for Eagle and May 30th for Abdellahi.

Union Commends Law Enforcement Surge; Calls for Additional Measures

MARCH 6, 2024 -- President Richard Davis issued the following statement today:

TWU Local 100 welcomes today’s announcement by NYS Governor Kathy Hochul increasing the numbers of MTA Police and members of the National Guard within the subway system – something that the Union has aggressively and persistently advocated for months since the recent rapid increases in violent crime and horrific assaults on its workers.

“Public safety must be the very first priority in our transit system for both riders and workers. We welcome Governor Hochul's focus today on the direct attacks on transit workers, including the brutal slashing of Conductor Alton Scott, and her calling on judges to indict the perpetrators of these crimes,” said Richard Davis, President of TWU Local 100. “I also want to thank Mayor Adams for working closely with TWU Local 100 on this issue."

"But let us be clear. We will not be pacified."

President Davis Speaks on Congestion Pricing at MTA Public Hearing

MARCH 4 – Appearing before the MTA Board in a public comment period on the issue of the forthcoming congestion pricing plan, TWU Local 100 President Richard Davis said the MTA had failed to deliver on more transit service before rolling out congestion pricing.

“We need more transit service to persuade more New Yorkers to use the transit system. That’s the bottom line,” he said.