TWU Local 100 needs to do better

To the editor:

Thanks to The Chief for reporting that the agreement ensuringTransport Workers Union Local 100 members could cash out their sick days before retirement was unilaterally cancelled by the MTA by memo in August. Why are we finding out months later?

The MTA and union never informed workers. There are workers that came to work sick to a job that makes people sick to save the days to be able to retire comfortably.

Why is it that most union elections have low turnout?

When speaking to politicians, they assume most unions are run democratically. They are hands off and say the union should resolve any problems since they are autonomous democratically-run organizations.

In Local 100 the last three presidents have been hand selected. Many say the international president hand selects who he wants to work with. This is unhealthy and it has shown in worker participation and morale.

This behavior signals weakness to the employer while emboldening the MTA to make changes that drastically hurt workers and saves the MTA money.

The union getting rid of three vice presidents that were trying to reform the union and many activists such as myself being targeted signals to the employees and the MTA that the authority can do as they please.

Forcing retirees into a Medicare Advantage plan giving the MTA $60 million dollars in savings yearly signals that concessions are appropriate and necessary to get raises.

Not only is new leadership needed but serious democratic reforms are needed to reform the union.

The MTA needs to be more worker friendly and should understand a happy worker allows everything to run better. The MTA should rescind its decision and learn to be good to workers especially those who have sacrificed so many years to make sure the trains and buses are safe and reliable.

Austerity and cutting workers is not the best solution.

Celso Garcia

The author was a Transport Workers Union Local 100 union member and activist.