International President Harry Lombardo had pledged the full support of the International to Local 100 on several occasions, including when he addressed the MTA board in December. He, Vice President and Transit Division Director Jerome Lafragola and other members of International leadership joined Executive Vice President and Local 100 President John Samuelsen in New York at various stages of the contract campaign, which began well in advance of the first bargaining session.
In a months-long effort, the International Campaign Unit – TWU’s cross-divisional, cross-department campaign apparatus created to fulfill the 2013 convention platform of building a strong, fighting union – participated with Local 100 to rally public support for the contract through events, media campaigns, digital outreach, town halls, and one-on-one member contact. Together, the union provided the resources and backing necessary to help get an agreement and to ensure that the contract passed by a wide margin.
“This contract is not only an improvement for the lives of Local 100’s members, but every TWU transit local across the country that has been watching this process. Air, rail and transit division members all came out to support their brothers and sisters in this effort, and we look forward to that same solidarity in every fight to ensure our members get the contracts they’ve earned.”
Samuelsen thanked President Lombardo and the IAC for the International’s staunch support during the negotiation process. He also thanked the rank-and-file transit workers for their show of support. “They recognized that the contract provides wage increases and other economic enhancements that will keep transit workers ahead of inflation, and fully protects their health coverage.”
Congratulations to all our members at Local 100!