John Samuelsen and Slate Reelected to Leadership of Transport Workers Union of America at Constitutional Convention

SEPTEMBER 16—International President John Samuelsen and his slate were reelected by acclamation for the second time at TWU’s 27th Constitutional Convention in Las Vegas today.

The rest of the victorious Top Five, who ran unopposed as the United Unstoppable slate, includes International Executive Vice President Alex Garcia, International Secretary-Treasurer Jerome Lafragola, International Administrative Vice President Curtis Tate and International Administrative Vice President Mike Mayes.

“Local 100 is my home,” Samuelsen told the hundreds in attendance after he was elected.

"Local 100 launched me. You know what launched me? The bosses that tried to kill track workers in the 1990s, that's what launched me. That's what taught me how to organize. That's what made track workers stand arm in arm to say, No, we're not going to let these bosses get us run down on the tracks. We're not going to let them force us to work around live third rails with no protection."

Tate also comes from New York, having served the members of Local 100 in numerous capacities, including Acting President, before being elected to office at Transport Workers Union of America.

Speaking about the role of International President and any other elected position, Samuelsen said the responsibility is always the same.

“If you’re elected and you have the honor to be elected whether by a small group of workers or a large group of workers, then represent the workers. Fight these bosses.”