Rail
Senate introduces key transit operations bill to fix broken transit funding rules
Posted OnMay 14, 2024 byThe U.S. Senate has introduced a bill backed by the Transport Workers Union that would establish a new program within the Federal Transit Administration to support transit operations – a critical step for transit agencies across the country seeking to improve and expand service while facing major budgetary shortfalls. The bill, introduced by Sens….Read More…
Big Gains in Boston for TWU Commuter Rail Workers
Posted OnMay 12, 2024 byFrench-owned Keolis, part of an international transportation conglomerate, was offering unacceptably low wage increases and dragging out contract negotiations – until TWU Local 2054 and The International waged a fierce campaign against the “carpetbaggers.”Read More…
TWU Praises Brightline West Groundbreaking as a Major Opportunity for Labor
Posted OnApril 22, 2024 byTransport Workers Union International President John Samuelsen hailed the groundbreaking of Brightline West as a high-speed rail project with the potential to create thousands of economically secure union jobs. “The Transport Workers Union is proud to be here for the unveiling of this critical infrastructure project that will transform the way people travel…Read More…
TWU Strongly Supports Establishment of Minimum Crew Size Rule
Posted OnApril 2, 2024 byThe Transport Workers Union applauds the Department of Transportation’s final rule that would require at least two people operating every freight train – an essential safety measure that improves working conditions both on the tracks and in rail yards. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the final rule on Tuesday. “This final rule is essential for safety and…Read More…
TWU Celebrates Women’s History Month With a Look Back
Posted OnMarch 20, 2024 byIn honor of Women’s History Month, we dove deep into the TWU archives. In those archives we found not just TWU history but history about our TWU Women in the workforce. In light of those findings we would like to take a moment to honor those women. Dorothea Williams, TA railroad clerk from Local 100,…Read More…
Amtrak and Transit Funding Victory
Posted OnMarch 6, 2024 byTWU International President John Samuelsen issued the following comment regarding the U.S. House of Representatives’ adoption of H. Res. 1061, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. “This is a big win for Amtrak passengers, mass transit riders, and union workers who move America. Far right ideologues – with zero care or concern for the nation’s wellbeing – tried…Read More…
Battle in Boston
Posted OnFebruary 29, 2024 byThe TWU fired a shot across the bow of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, and its hired-gun commuter rail operator, the French conglomerate, Keolis. TWU Local 2054 in Boston warned of possible strike as Keolis pays the lowest wages of passenger rail providers in the Northeast.
“France would not tolerate an American company degrading French workers’ wages and working conditions like this,” TWU International President John Samuelsen said. “The TWU will fight like hell to stop Keolis from doing it in Boston.”Read More…
TWU International President Samueslen Blasts NY Gov. Kathy Hochul
Posted OnFebruary 29, 2024 byNY Gov. Kathy Hochul and her MTA have hit TWU members at the Metro-North Railroad with a litany of heavy-handed contract demands that will cause real economic harm on the blue-collar workforce.
TWU International President blasts Hochul for her treatment of TWU Local 2001 and 2055 members in this editorial published in the NY Daily News.Read More…
TWU vs. NY Gov. Hochul – Round 2
Posted OnFebruary 22, 2024 byHundreds of hardworking union workers at the Metro-North Railroad are again being attacked by the Hochul-controlled MTA. The NY authority wants to impose a litany of contract changes that will significantly reduce workers income, job security, and retirement security.
“It’s a brutal attack on blue-collar workers,” TWU International President John Samuelsen said, vowing a fierce fightback campaign,Read More…
22 Years Later: The TWU Remembers
Posted OnSeptember 11, 2023 byAs our nation marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the TWU pauses to remember those whose lives have been lost or forever altered by these horrific events—including many of our own members. Today we honor our union members across all of our industries who, in the face of uncertainty and adversity,…Read More…