In the heart of New York City’s bustling transportation system lies a tale of labor union betrayal, where the pursuit of increased service has overshadowed the fundamental right of workers safety. TWU Local 100, the union representing over 40,000 MTA workers, has entered into gainsharing agreements with the MTA, a system that rewards the union administration directly and not the members. This extra money from gainsharing allows the union administration to release family, friends, loyalists and people whom they are in relationships with. While the local 100 administration may sell the gainsharing agreement as appealing on the surface, it’s coming at a steep price – the safety and well-being of the very workers they are meant to represent.

The stark reality of gainsharing agreements in the MTA is that they incentivize workers to prioritize worker availability over safety, creating an environment where potential hazards are overlooked and safety protocols are compromised. This dangerous dynamic has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed MTA workers to unprecedented health risks. Despite the alarming rise in employee deaths and infections, TWU Local 100 leadership remained remarkably silent, failing to take decisive action to protect its members.

Furthermore, TWU Local 100 has colluded with MTA management to circumvent New York State’s workers’ compensation laws. Injured workers are being pressured to return to work prematurely, before they have fully healed, in a blatant disregard for their health and well-being. This callous practice stems from the union’s prioritization of gainsharing profits over the safety of its members.

The consequences of TWU Local 100’s actions are far-reaching. Workers are not only subjected to heightened safety risks but also face the potential for long-term health complications due to premature returns to work. TWU Local 100’s betrayal has eroded trust among its members, leaving them feeling vulnerable and unprotected.

The time for complacency is over. TWU Local 100 must immediately cease its complicity with the MTA’s disregard for worker safety. The union’s primary responsibility is to its members, and it must act decisively to protect their well-being. This requires a fundamental shift in priorities, where safety is no longer an afterthought but a cornerstone of the union’s agenda.

The MTA must also be held accountable for its role in creating this unsafe environment. The agency’s prioritization of service over safety is inexcusable, and it must be held responsible for the harm caused to its workers.

The safety of MTA workers is not a bargaining chip. It is a fundamental right, and it must be protected at all costs. TWU Local 100 and the MTA must prioritize worker safety over financial gains and service, ensuring that the transportation system that serves millions of New Yorkers is not built on the backs of its workers’ well-being. The truth is once Local 100 engaged in the gainsharing agreement with the MTA, the safety of the members was no longer their priority.

Checkout our latest video below!