We are asking - and trying to answer - a question that’s been on the minds of TWU Local 100 members which is what makes TWU Local 100 members? Many of you are aware we are boisterous when we get together and many come with complaints that we are being moved out of our New York City. Kicking and screaming, we demand to be put back in our rightful New York City.
When for example, some of us live on both sides of the tracks, the postman is unhappy because he knows he will be carrying the extra burden of letters to that member. However we are faced with the 2012 contract fight against our employer MTA who are not intending to grant a fair contract to the TWU Local 100 members.
Many of you are aware the contract negotiations have been stalled since the expiration of the contract on January 15, 2012. There are clearly certain areas in which this contract can be adopted - we definitely say increase in wages for the TWU Local 100 members is a must.
Since the MTA argument is opposing the wage increase - one has to wonder why MTA wants to aid big corporations, but thinks it’s alright for TWU Local 100 members who work for a living to have to scrounge for their livelihood? TWU Local 100 members work everyday only to bring home pennies.
We know the MTA are not merchants. If you get onto MTA website there are fantastic services that they don’t even promote - if you are in bus, train, subway station, bus depot or train barn you don't see things promoted. At least New York City can promote Icahn Stadium, Citi Field or Joe DiMaggio Highway.
We heard from the former CEO and chair Jay H Walder who has said that service is not sustainable in part because of the lack of financial soundness, in which he demanded that TWU Local 100 members make payments towards its future health benefits (we don't know for how long). He also claimed that those health benefit payments were costing the MTA and that they are having a considerable impact on the MTA - which should be taken with a grain of salt (he omitted the mismanagement by the white collar). If MTA wants to stay profitable it should focus on marketing more than the finances.
John Samuelsen president of TWU Local 100 should continue to do whatever it takes to get a fair contract for the TWU Local 100. Members should view anyone who is against the fair contract or fails to stand along with John Samuelsen - who thinks it is fair that we should get a fair contract which should be remembered.
