Take Back Our Union (TBOU) President Candidate John Samuelsen challenges Curtis Tate ,Roger Toussanit's hand pick President candidate to a debate. The members have been asking Who is John Samuelsen ? Who is Curtis Tate ? What better way for members of TWU Local 100 to find out about the only two men running for president of TWU Local 100 ? Well the challenge has been issued by Take Back Our Union (TBOU) candidate John Samuelsen and now the only question is will Curtis Tate accept the challenge. The open letter from Mr. Samuelsen is below :
Open letter to Curtis Tate to Debate
May 19, 2009
Curtis Tate
Acting President
TWU Local 100
80 West End Avenue
New York, New York
Dear Brother Tate:
I have accepted the offer of NY 1 to participate in a debate between us .The debate is take place at NY1's studios in Manhattan. Two dates have been set aside, May 28 or 29 . I am told it will be moderated by NY 1’s Transit Reporter Bobby Cuza and Daily News Transit Reporter Pete Donohue.
I think this would be an exciting opportunity for the two of us to debate our respective vision for TWU Local 100 and the membership. Because it will be aired on TV, I understand many transit workers will get the benefit of hearing us before they vote in the election. Just the two of us ,Curits, face to face, discussing the many issues confronting TWU Local 100.
I urge you to accept.
Fraternally yours,
John Samuelsen
For more information on the debate challenge and the upcoming TWU Local 100 election go to our election website at www.tbou2009.org and vote the Take Back Our Union(TBOU) Slate
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Take Back Our Union (PBL) FundRaising Party this Saturday May 23
TAKE BACK OUR UNION FUNDRAISER HOSTED BY EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER
ANGEL GIBOYEAUX and the PBL/MTA BUS DEPARTMENT-SATURDAY MAY 23,2009
Please Come out and join the Take Back Our Union Slate for a fundraiser gathering.
Meet the Candidates and Support
Angel Giboyeaux as Local Wide Administrative Vice-President of TWU Local 100
Where: Conga Nights Bar
14 Warburton Ave. Yonkers, NY
When: Saturday, May 23rd from 8 P.M. until 3 AM
Donation: $20.00 includes Hot Food and DJ. There will be a Cash bar.For more information on the Take Back Our Union (TBOU) Slate go to http://www.tbou2009.org/
ANGEL GIBOYEAUX and the PBL/MTA BUS DEPARTMENT-SATURDAY MAY 23,2009
Please Come out and join the Take Back Our Union Slate for a fundraiser gathering.
Meet the Candidates and Support
Angel Giboyeaux as Local Wide Administrative Vice-President of TWU Local 100
Where: Conga Nights Bar
14 Warburton Ave. Yonkers, NY
When: Saturday, May 23rd from 8 P.M. until 3 AM
Donation: $20.00 includes Hot Food and DJ. There will be a Cash bar.For more information on the Take Back Our Union (TBOU) Slate go to http://www.tbou2009.org/
Compare Toussaint and Friends Raises to Yours by Steve Downs
Toussaint got us a 3% raise for 2006. For the same year, he gave himself a 17% increase. In 2007, when our wages went up 4%, Toussaint gave himself a 7% boost. He went from $91,920 in 2006 to $115,475 ($141,928 after expenses) in 2008. (Don’t take our word for it, go to www.tbou2009.org and click on the link to the Union’s financial report.)
Toussaint was generous to his friends, too. Ed Watt was up 22% from 2006 to 2008. Curtis Tate got an 8.2% boost from 2007 to 2008. And Brian Clarke got an 11% bump for the same year.
All of this happened despite layoffs of clerical staff and Toussaint supposedly imposing a 10% pay cut on the officers and staff in 2007 when the dues check-off was lost. And it happened despite the Local by-laws limiting raises for officers and staff to the same percentage increase negotiated for members at the TA.It's time for them to go ,vote the entire Take Back Our Union (TBOU) Slate.
Steve Downs Chair, T/O Division of TWU Local 100
Toussaint was generous to his friends, too. Ed Watt was up 22% from 2006 to 2008. Curtis Tate got an 8.2% boost from 2007 to 2008. And Brian Clarke got an 11% bump for the same year.
All of this happened despite layoffs of clerical staff and Toussaint supposedly imposing a 10% pay cut on the officers and staff in 2007 when the dues check-off was lost. And it happened despite the Local by-laws limiting raises for officers and staff to the same percentage increase negotiated for members at the TA.It's time for them to go ,vote the entire Take Back Our Union (TBOU) Slate.
Steve Downs Chair, T/O Division of TWU Local 100
Monday, May 18, 2009
TBOU ACTION UPDATE : Single Payer Healthcare Rally Wednesday May27 and TBOU Healthcare Roundtable on Wednesday June 3 in NYC
Single Payer Healthcare Advocates to Rally at State Capitol on May 27th
Politicians Need to Protect the People, Not Health Insurance Companies
Supporters of a single payer Medicare for All universal health care program will rally at the State Capitol on Wednesday May 27th at noon.
Representatives of groups supporting single payer will also meet with individual state legislators throughout the day and have requested a meeting with Governor Paterson.
The groups want New York State to pass legislation to create its own single payer universal health care system. The California state legislature has twice voted to create a single payer system but it has been vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger. Governor Paterson, in contrast, has been a long time supporter of single payer health care. The long-delayed state study by the Urban Institute on what type of universal health system New York should adopt is due out in the next few months.
The single payer groups are also supporting the resolution introduced by Senator Neil Breslin to have the State Senate urge Congress to pass HR 676 (Conyors – D MI), the federal single payer bill. HR 676 is currently co-sponsored by more than 70 Representatives, including many from New York.
Single payer supporters are also upset that the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and the White House have so far refused to consider a single payer health care system while instead insisting that private for-profit health insurance must continue to play a role in any universal health care system. Thirteen single payer advocates have been arrested in recent weeks for protesting the exclusion of single payer supporters at the Senate Finance Committee hearings on universal health care.
It is estimated that as much as 35 cents of every health care dollar goes to pay for the administration of private health insurance that provides nothing of value to the health care system. The practices of insurance companies contribute to the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans annually. Eliminating private health insurance through a single payer system could save $350 to $400 billion annually.
Even though the US spends almost twice as much money per capita on health care compared to other industrial countries, the performance of the American health care system consistently ranks among the worse of the industrial countries (e.g., 37th by the World Health Organization), while leaving as many as 75 million Americans without insurance during part of any year.
Sponsors of the event include Single Payer New York (http://www.singlepayernewyork.org/), Capital District Alliance for Universal Health Care, Capital District Area Labor Federation; Faith and Hunger Network; Hunger Action Network of NYS: New York State Nurses Association; Physicians for a National Health Program; Students for a National Health Program; Tompkins County Health Care Task Force; and Troy Area Labor Council.
On Wednesday June 3, 2009 the Take Back Our Union (TBOU) will sponsor a Labor Round Table on Healthcare in NYC at the North Star Fund located at 52o 8th avenue 22nd floor mid-town Manhattan (between 36 and 37street) from 4-7PM.Topics for Labor Round table-How do we stop the privatization of Emblem Health (formerly GHI/HIP) and how do we get more rank and file labor activist involved in the single payer movement? To stay updated on healthcare and all labor news visit the blog at : http://www.takebackourunion.org/
Politicians Need to Protect the People, Not Health Insurance Companies
Supporters of a single payer Medicare for All universal health care program will rally at the State Capitol on Wednesday May 27th at noon.
Representatives of groups supporting single payer will also meet with individual state legislators throughout the day and have requested a meeting with Governor Paterson.
The groups want New York State to pass legislation to create its own single payer universal health care system. The California state legislature has twice voted to create a single payer system but it has been vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger. Governor Paterson, in contrast, has been a long time supporter of single payer health care. The long-delayed state study by the Urban Institute on what type of universal health system New York should adopt is due out in the next few months.
The single payer groups are also supporting the resolution introduced by Senator Neil Breslin to have the State Senate urge Congress to pass HR 676 (Conyors – D MI), the federal single payer bill. HR 676 is currently co-sponsored by more than 70 Representatives, including many from New York.
Single payer supporters are also upset that the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and the White House have so far refused to consider a single payer health care system while instead insisting that private for-profit health insurance must continue to play a role in any universal health care system. Thirteen single payer advocates have been arrested in recent weeks for protesting the exclusion of single payer supporters at the Senate Finance Committee hearings on universal health care.
It is estimated that as much as 35 cents of every health care dollar goes to pay for the administration of private health insurance that provides nothing of value to the health care system. The practices of insurance companies contribute to the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans annually. Eliminating private health insurance through a single payer system could save $350 to $400 billion annually.
Even though the US spends almost twice as much money per capita on health care compared to other industrial countries, the performance of the American health care system consistently ranks among the worse of the industrial countries (e.g., 37th by the World Health Organization), while leaving as many as 75 million Americans without insurance during part of any year.
Sponsors of the event include Single Payer New York (http://www.singlepayernewyork.org/), Capital District Alliance for Universal Health Care, Capital District Area Labor Federation; Faith and Hunger Network; Hunger Action Network of NYS: New York State Nurses Association; Physicians for a National Health Program; Students for a National Health Program; Tompkins County Health Care Task Force; and Troy Area Labor Council.
On Wednesday June 3, 2009 the Take Back Our Union (TBOU) will sponsor a Labor Round Table on Healthcare in NYC at the North Star Fund located at 52o 8th avenue 22nd floor mid-town Manhattan (between 36 and 37street) from 4-7PM.Topics for Labor Round table-How do we stop the privatization of Emblem Health (formerly GHI/HIP) and how do we get more rank and file labor activist involved in the single payer movement? To stay updated on healthcare and all labor news visit the blog at : http://www.takebackourunion.org/
Sunday, May 17, 2009
There Is No Democracy Without Choice by Steve Downs
Can you believe that Toussaint’s handpicked Elections Committee disqualified a candidate for being 18 cents in arrears on his dues? Or that another candidate was knocked off the ballot after he received a written decision explicitly accepting his evidence and qualifying him for the ballot? Believe it!
The Toussaint/Tate/Watt team is going after members in good-standing -- people who paid their dues throughout the months when there was not dues check-off -- and treating them as if they never paid. These members, who faithfully paid their dues, are being treated worse than those who scabbed during the strike.
This isn’t really about how they’re treating potential candidates, though. It’s about how they’re treating the members. Afraid that they might lose, the Toussaint/Tate/Watt team is doing everything they can to deny the members a choice when it comes time to vote.But what can you expect from the people who ignored your vote on the contract and prevent the officers you choose from representing you?
Steve Downs Chair, T/O Division of TWU 100 for the latest news and updates on the upcoming TWU election go to www.TBOU2009.org
The Toussaint/Tate/Watt team is going after members in good-standing -- people who paid their dues throughout the months when there was not dues check-off -- and treating them as if they never paid. These members, who faithfully paid their dues, are being treated worse than those who scabbed during the strike.
This isn’t really about how they’re treating potential candidates, though. It’s about how they’re treating the members. Afraid that they might lose, the Toussaint/Tate/Watt team is doing everything they can to deny the members a choice when it comes time to vote.But what can you expect from the people who ignored your vote on the contract and prevent the officers you choose from representing you?
Steve Downs Chair, T/O Division of TWU 100 for the latest news and updates on the upcoming TWU election go to www.TBOU2009.org
TBOU Contract Update - No Arbitrator's Decision Before We Vote by Steve Downs
When Toussaint announced in January that he was sending the contract to binding arbitration, some of us warned that this was a sign that he had agreed to concessions in the contract and that he was afraid to present them to the membership. He feared that, even if we approved the contract, the members would vote against him and his slate at election time.
The Local recently issued a leaflet that heightens our concerns. The leaflet makes it clear that there will not be a decision by the arbitrator before the ballots are mailed out. Why not? The Toussaint/Tate/Watt crew has been telling the members for months that the MTA and Toussaint had reached agreement on everything last fall but that Bloomberg blocked the deal. Then what's the hold-up at arbitration? Maybe they've been lying to us about reaching an agreement with last fall. Or maybe they don't want the arbitrator's decision to become public before we vote because it contains major givebacks -- givebacks that Toussaint agreed to last fall.
Toussaint wants you to re-elect the officers who let him negotiate in secret and who raised no objection when he went to binding arbitration -- and took away your right to vote on the contract. If the arbitrator's decision was good, Toussaint, Tate, and Watt would make sure it came out before the election because it would help them win votes. The fact that the arbitrator's decision is not out should tell you something.
Steve Downs Chair, T/O Division of TWU 100
The Local recently issued a leaflet that heightens our concerns. The leaflet makes it clear that there will not be a decision by the arbitrator before the ballots are mailed out. Why not? The Toussaint/Tate/Watt crew has been telling the members for months that the MTA and Toussaint had reached agreement on everything last fall but that Bloomberg blocked the deal. Then what's the hold-up at arbitration? Maybe they've been lying to us about reaching an agreement with last fall. Or maybe they don't want the arbitrator's decision to become public before we vote because it contains major givebacks -- givebacks that Toussaint agreed to last fall.
Toussaint wants you to re-elect the officers who let him negotiate in secret and who raised no objection when he went to binding arbitration -- and took away your right to vote on the contract. If the arbitrator's decision was good, Toussaint, Tate, and Watt would make sure it came out before the election because it would help them win votes. The fact that the arbitrator's decision is not out should tell you something.
Steve Downs Chair, T/O Division of TWU 100
Friday, May 15, 2009
10,000 Signatures in Support of Take Back Our Union
Almost 10,000 Local 100 petition signatures were submitted for Take Back Our Union(TBOU). That’s a lot of support. Members will have the right to vote for TBOU candidates running for 175 spots in the Officer and Delegate’s elections.
Last time, Toussaint’s slate won with less than a majority because multiple slates split the vote. This time is different. There are only two slates. It’s us or them.There is a clear choice. Keep them in office or vote for positive change. Let’s all work together to rebuild Local 100 and make it a strong, powerful union that can win us good contracts.
Toussaint Admits: No MTA Contract before Election in January, Toussaint said it would only be a few weeks before we got our contract. This week, he said the arbitration was only half done. That means no contract before the election. You also know what that means – Toussaint’s contract will be bad news for the membership.The newspapers say we may get zeros ($0.00s). It could be even worse.Tate, Watt and Roberts just stood there and let Roger Toussaint decide to go to binding arbitration and make Toussaint the Union’s arbitrator. The only Local 100 member with a vote on the contract is now Roger Toussaint. We believe every member should have the right to vote on their contract.Take Back Our UnionTake Back Our Union will win good contracts and protect our job security.
We will rebuild Local 100 by organizing, mobilizing and uniting all the members in a Union that has real power in the subways, busses and in the halls of government to get us good contracts.
Vote : John Samuelsen for President Israel Rivera for Secretary-Treasurer Angel Giboyeaux for Administrative Vice President & Benita Johnson for Recording Secretary
For More Information: http://www.tbou2009.org/
Last time, Toussaint’s slate won with less than a majority because multiple slates split the vote. This time is different. There are only two slates. It’s us or them.There is a clear choice. Keep them in office or vote for positive change. Let’s all work together to rebuild Local 100 and make it a strong, powerful union that can win us good contracts.
Toussaint Admits: No MTA Contract before Election in January, Toussaint said it would only be a few weeks before we got our contract. This week, he said the arbitration was only half done. That means no contract before the election. You also know what that means – Toussaint’s contract will be bad news for the membership.The newspapers say we may get zeros ($0.00s). It could be even worse.Tate, Watt and Roberts just stood there and let Roger Toussaint decide to go to binding arbitration and make Toussaint the Union’s arbitrator. The only Local 100 member with a vote on the contract is now Roger Toussaint. We believe every member should have the right to vote on their contract.Take Back Our UnionTake Back Our Union will win good contracts and protect our job security.
We will rebuild Local 100 by organizing, mobilizing and uniting all the members in a Union that has real power in the subways, busses and in the halls of government to get us good contracts.
Vote : John Samuelsen for President Israel Rivera for Secretary-Treasurer Angel Giboyeaux for Administrative Vice President & Benita Johnson for Recording Secretary
For More Information: http://www.tbou2009.org/
TBOU-Update on the Attempted Murder and Robbery of Transit Employees
In response to the attempted murder and robbery of two transit workers at the Winthrop street station on the 2 line at around 2:30AM on Saturday May 9,2009.On Tuesday May 12 Pete Foley sent the below E-mail to Howard Roberts the President of the Transit Authority ,Pete Foley is the Vice Chair of Line Equipment Signals and the 1# senior Revenue Equipment Maintainer (REM).
Dear President Roberts, I'm writing you concerning the shooting of Revenue Equipment Maintainer (REM) and the attempt on his Collecting Agent on May 9th at the Winthrop St. subway station. The REM should be given a job in the Central Electronic Shop in compensation for this terrible experience. He has previous experience doing this type of work and this will take him out of the field. Many of the workers at CES were previously REMs.
Now the REMs that are working on the road would like their safety concerns taken seriously by management. Our warnings about an incident like this have been totally ignored indeed laughed at by upper management. There is no reason for so many of our men and women to be working the odd shifts with the weekday RDOs that we currently work. We fix turnstiles, gates and related equipment. Currently we have more Metrocard Vending Machine repair jobs which are paired up with a collecting agent on the 10pm to 6am shift than on the 6am-2pm, the 8am-4pm and the noon-8pm shift combined, at the main 14th St. shop. A lot of those jobs have T/W or W/T RDOs. There is no business reason for so many on this shift. The machines break down during the day when people use them. They should be fixed then. No one in the riding public cares if an MVM is fixed at 2am when it went out of service at 2pm. They want that MVM available when most of the people are traveling especially with so many token booths closed. There is also no reason to do any preventative maintenance at these hours.
The teams have to travel by truck to get around and you have to pay them night differential. We have had 3 maintainers assaulted in the last 3 years. Two on the night shift. All concerns about safety and workers morale problems over the weird shifts and lousy RDOs are ignored. Our department runs to serve the Monday morning availability snapshot that is reported to the MTA board. We have the least amount of maintainers on Wed. and the most equipment out because of the usage of those machines. We think that a F/S, S/S and S/M RdOs would cover our equipment adequately and help our workers have some semblance of family life. There should only be a skeleton emergency crew working late at night. We have to stop work on machines midway and leave it for the next shift or sometimes 2 shifts later if it may go into overtime so It's pretty obvious we don't have many emergencies that can't wait a few hours. As it is a new maintainer or collecting agent could work for 8-10 years before they get a part of the weekend off.
With the new fare of $2.25 there will be twice the number of MVM trouble calls because of the coin chute problems. Currently the biggest problems are bill jams but now coin problems will double the calls and put more machines out of service when people need them. We would like a safety stand down in all shops and tours with REMs and Collecting Agents to go over together all procedures and operating instructions particularly in regards to MVMs. REMs and CAs have different responsibilities and some are conflicting. We also have long standing safety issues with carrying bill boxes on the train and who is responsible for what keys. We would like these discussed and resolved. A rep from the CAs should be at the monthly AFC Maintenance meeting to share their concerns and hear our safety concerns. These are the same concerns I wrote to you about 6 months ago and they are still not resolved. I hope this time after this terrible incident we could make our workers life safer and better for their family life as well as improve our equipment availability for the customer when they need it.Thank You, Pete Foley TWU Local 100 Line Equipment /Signals Division Vice-Chair.
To stay updated on all transit related news visit http://www.tbou.org/ daily.
Dear President Roberts, I'm writing you concerning the shooting of Revenue Equipment Maintainer (REM) and the attempt on his Collecting Agent on May 9th at the Winthrop St. subway station. The REM should be given a job in the Central Electronic Shop in compensation for this terrible experience. He has previous experience doing this type of work and this will take him out of the field. Many of the workers at CES were previously REMs.
Now the REMs that are working on the road would like their safety concerns taken seriously by management. Our warnings about an incident like this have been totally ignored indeed laughed at by upper management. There is no reason for so many of our men and women to be working the odd shifts with the weekday RDOs that we currently work. We fix turnstiles, gates and related equipment. Currently we have more Metrocard Vending Machine repair jobs which are paired up with a collecting agent on the 10pm to 6am shift than on the 6am-2pm, the 8am-4pm and the noon-8pm shift combined, at the main 14th St. shop. A lot of those jobs have T/W or W/T RDOs. There is no business reason for so many on this shift. The machines break down during the day when people use them. They should be fixed then. No one in the riding public cares if an MVM is fixed at 2am when it went out of service at 2pm. They want that MVM available when most of the people are traveling especially with so many token booths closed. There is also no reason to do any preventative maintenance at these hours.
The teams have to travel by truck to get around and you have to pay them night differential. We have had 3 maintainers assaulted in the last 3 years. Two on the night shift. All concerns about safety and workers morale problems over the weird shifts and lousy RDOs are ignored. Our department runs to serve the Monday morning availability snapshot that is reported to the MTA board. We have the least amount of maintainers on Wed. and the most equipment out because of the usage of those machines. We think that a F/S, S/S and S/M RdOs would cover our equipment adequately and help our workers have some semblance of family life. There should only be a skeleton emergency crew working late at night. We have to stop work on machines midway and leave it for the next shift or sometimes 2 shifts later if it may go into overtime so It's pretty obvious we don't have many emergencies that can't wait a few hours. As it is a new maintainer or collecting agent could work for 8-10 years before they get a part of the weekend off.
With the new fare of $2.25 there will be twice the number of MVM trouble calls because of the coin chute problems. Currently the biggest problems are bill jams but now coin problems will double the calls and put more machines out of service when people need them. We would like a safety stand down in all shops and tours with REMs and Collecting Agents to go over together all procedures and operating instructions particularly in regards to MVMs. REMs and CAs have different responsibilities and some are conflicting. We also have long standing safety issues with carrying bill boxes on the train and who is responsible for what keys. We would like these discussed and resolved. A rep from the CAs should be at the monthly AFC Maintenance meeting to share their concerns and hear our safety concerns. These are the same concerns I wrote to you about 6 months ago and they are still not resolved. I hope this time after this terrible incident we could make our workers life safer and better for their family life as well as improve our equipment availability for the customer when they need it.Thank You, Pete Foley TWU Local 100 Line Equipment /Signals Division Vice-Chair.
To stay updated on all transit related news visit http://www.tbou.org/ daily.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Take Back Our Union (TBOU)-Update TWU Revenue Equipment Maintainer (REM) Shot At Work
On Saturday May 9th at around 2:30AM at the Winthrop Street Station ,on the 2 Line brazen robbers put a gun to the head of a TWU Revenue Equipment Maintainer (REM) threatening his life and also the life of his escort the Collecting Agent(CA).The gunmen must have been after the money inside the Metrocard Vending Machine (MVM) the REM was coming to repair or they the gunman mistakenly thought they where going to replace or remove cash from the MVM.
What ever the case one of the gunman opened fire on the CA and the REM who was grazed by a bullet near his neck and spine.The REM also broke his ankle getting out the line of fire.The CA thinking quickly returned fire and this stop the robbery attempt and perhaps saved their lives as the gunman ran off.The REM is home recovering and the CA is out on vacation as we will keep them and there families in our thoughts and prayers.
Hopefully MTA management will see the light and stop routine maintenance and cleaning during early morning hours making transit workers the target for the criminal element.Just last week during the Station Cleaner's pick no concerns where shown for Station Cleaners safety as to increase productivity on the 2 line in the Bronx new Station Cleaner jobs start at 7:00PM and end at 3:00 AM.I hope both the union and management will take a serious look at all sections and titles when it comes to safety and security issues.Once again our hearts go out to the REM, and CA and there families.To stay informed on all transit worker news go to the blog at http://www.tbou.org/ .
What ever the case one of the gunman opened fire on the CA and the REM who was grazed by a bullet near his neck and spine.The REM also broke his ankle getting out the line of fire.The CA thinking quickly returned fire and this stop the robbery attempt and perhaps saved their lives as the gunman ran off.The REM is home recovering and the CA is out on vacation as we will keep them and there families in our thoughts and prayers.
Hopefully MTA management will see the light and stop routine maintenance and cleaning during early morning hours making transit workers the target for the criminal element.Just last week during the Station Cleaner's pick no concerns where shown for Station Cleaners safety as to increase productivity on the 2 line in the Bronx new Station Cleaner jobs start at 7:00PM and end at 3:00 AM.I hope both the union and management will take a serious look at all sections and titles when it comes to safety and security issues.Once again our hearts go out to the REM, and CA and there families.To stay informed on all transit worker news go to the blog at http://www.tbou.org/ .
Take Back Our Union (TBOU) Action Update-Upcoming Forums on Bus Rapid Transit(BRT)
Take Back Our Union Action Update :
Over the next several weeks, MTA New York City Transit and the New York City Department of Transportation will be holding forums on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The first BRT route in the Bronx - with pre-boarding fare payment and a better separated exclusive lane – has been very successful, with faster trips and high levels of customer satisfaction.
The agencies are now looking at ways to dramatically improve transit service through a comprehensive BRT network across New York City -- complete with links to subways, ferries and major destinations.
A total of seven workshops will be held throughout the five boroughs to gather New Yorkers' feedback on where new BRT routes should be established and how they should operate. The dates and locations of the workshops, as well as more information, can be found at: www.nyc.gov/brt to stay informed about all transit news go to www.takebackourunion.org daily .
Over the next several weeks, MTA New York City Transit and the New York City Department of Transportation will be holding forums on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The first BRT route in the Bronx - with pre-boarding fare payment and a better separated exclusive lane – has been very successful, with faster trips and high levels of customer satisfaction.
The agencies are now looking at ways to dramatically improve transit service through a comprehensive BRT network across New York City -- complete with links to subways, ferries and major destinations.
A total of seven workshops will be held throughout the five boroughs to gather New Yorkers' feedback on where new BRT routes should be established and how they should operate. The dates and locations of the workshops, as well as more information, can be found at: www.nyc.gov/brt to stay informed about all transit news go to www.takebackourunion.org daily .
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
TWU Local 100 Election has become an all out Circus by Christine Williams
The new bylaw changes have turned this union election into an all-out circus. In the past, the votes were counted as soon as they were cast. Now, although the votes are cast in June, the results aren't released until December -- six months later. This bylaw change was supposedly needed to save money, but will still cost money, for storing the ballots and protecting them from being tampered with. And if the union is trying so hard to save money, why create a administrative VP position paying $100,000? How does that save money? I know what they''re going to say: the members voted for it. But only 5000 members voted out of 38,000, and it took a whole week just to count that. Do you think this amendment to the bylaws helps build the trust in this union? In all these years this union has never had an administrative VP in the top 4. Why now?
Another obstacle in this circus -- I mean union election -- dues payment. This issue is a weird one, because TBOU candidates are getting DQ letters left and right. If you paid your dues by check, look out; just because you sent your check in before the 15th doesn't mean it was credited to your account on time. And even if you pay every month by check and sent the amounts on the payment schedule set up by the union you might have gotten a letter. In my case I paid a year in advance and have been in good standing since 2007, even receiving a refund for overpayment. And I got a DQ letter. After further review by the" impartial" TWU election committee, which has at least two people on the local 100 payroll, it was determined that my letter was sent as an "oversight." I wonder how many UI candidates were a couple days late on payments, and how many actually received DQ letters? How can the election committee be truly impartial if they don't have a representative of both slates running in this election on the committee? One of many questions that will remain a mystery, but the worst part of this dirty tactic of sending members on the TBOU slate DQ letters is you only have 48 hours to respond so had I not responded to the letter I would have been out as a candidate even after paying my dues in advance.
It's not only TBOU candidates who are getting caught up with the dues issue but also rank and file members who want to get back in good standing. Recently, letters went out to the membership on how much back dues was owed to get back in good standing. Only members in good standing will be able to vote in union elections. That makes sense: pay your dues, get a ballot. But if you pay by check, look out! Now they are holding onto checks for weeks without crediting them to the accounts. In some cases the checks were mailed back. Some members even got letters informing them that they would not get a ballot to vote in the election. It looks like they don't want some members to vote in the upcoming TWU local 100 election.
The next act in their circus is the weird survey. 1st, someone calls your house and asks of you would like to take a quick survey. Then, they ask you lots of questions on how you feel about Take Back Our Union(TBOU.) The next set of questions are about UI and what your opinions are on the UI candidates. I'm not making this up. Actual members are calling me about this wacky survey. What is the purpose of this? If UI really wants to know how the members feel about UI candidates, they should give the members a fair chance to vote for TBOU after all almost 10,000 TWU Local 100 members signed TBOU petitions to get us on the ballot. If you are contacted by the union or have any questions give us a call at (646) 321-5213 or send us an e-mail to TBOUStations@yahoo.com .
Please visit our website daily http://www.tbou.org/ to stay informed on breaking news inside local 100 and all labor news. By Christine Williams Stations Department Candidate for Executive Board on the Take Back Our Union (TBOU) Slate.
Another obstacle in this circus -- I mean union election -- dues payment. This issue is a weird one, because TBOU candidates are getting DQ letters left and right. If you paid your dues by check, look out; just because you sent your check in before the 15th doesn't mean it was credited to your account on time. And even if you pay every month by check and sent the amounts on the payment schedule set up by the union you might have gotten a letter. In my case I paid a year in advance and have been in good standing since 2007, even receiving a refund for overpayment. And I got a DQ letter. After further review by the" impartial" TWU election committee, which has at least two people on the local 100 payroll, it was determined that my letter was sent as an "oversight." I wonder how many UI candidates were a couple days late on payments, and how many actually received DQ letters? How can the election committee be truly impartial if they don't have a representative of both slates running in this election on the committee? One of many questions that will remain a mystery, but the worst part of this dirty tactic of sending members on the TBOU slate DQ letters is you only have 48 hours to respond so had I not responded to the letter I would have been out as a candidate even after paying my dues in advance.
It's not only TBOU candidates who are getting caught up with the dues issue but also rank and file members who want to get back in good standing. Recently, letters went out to the membership on how much back dues was owed to get back in good standing. Only members in good standing will be able to vote in union elections. That makes sense: pay your dues, get a ballot. But if you pay by check, look out! Now they are holding onto checks for weeks without crediting them to the accounts. In some cases the checks were mailed back. Some members even got letters informing them that they would not get a ballot to vote in the election. It looks like they don't want some members to vote in the upcoming TWU local 100 election.
The next act in their circus is the weird survey. 1st, someone calls your house and asks of you would like to take a quick survey. Then, they ask you lots of questions on how you feel about Take Back Our Union(TBOU.) The next set of questions are about UI and what your opinions are on the UI candidates. I'm not making this up. Actual members are calling me about this wacky survey. What is the purpose of this? If UI really wants to know how the members feel about UI candidates, they should give the members a fair chance to vote for TBOU after all almost 10,000 TWU Local 100 members signed TBOU petitions to get us on the ballot. If you are contacted by the union or have any questions give us a call at (646) 321-5213 or send us an e-mail to TBOUStations@yahoo.com .
Please visit our website daily http://www.tbou.org/ to stay informed on breaking news inside local 100 and all labor news. By Christine Williams Stations Department Candidate for Executive Board on the Take Back Our Union (TBOU) Slate.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Rigged Elections by Israel Rivera Jr
Rigged Elections? by Israel Rivera Jr
Did you ever think Local 100 elections might be rigged? The thought has occurred to many of us. Lets look at the facts:Local 100 wont release the list of paid dues members. Because many currently elected officers running on the United invisible did not pay their dues themselves! Ask any of them to show you their dues statement. They wont.
Toussaint and his hand picked crew removed many democratically elected officers you the membership elected! Do you think things will be different with his handpicked successor and most of Rogers own staff still in place? Dictators never give up power freely, history has proven this time and time again.
How often did you wonder quietly about what really happened to our contract negotiations? Why did the Toussaint/Watt/Tate team again violate the membership by excluding every officer we elected to represent us? Local 100 officers cower in fear as local 100 continues to hopelessly slide into draconian rule.
For three terms we have hoped and prayed for 20-50 to no avail. Then we were lead on a catastrophic strike that further drained every member of his hard earned money as we were hit with massive penalties and Local 100 was severely crippled financially for years to come.
Our Union Hall is sold for 60 million dollars. Then resold by the buyer to the tune of 90 million! Making some very lucky person a 30 million dollar profit within 18 months during the worst real estate slump in nearly a 100 years. This alone cries out for a criminal investigation. But your officers are fear full of raising any questions and facing the dictators wrath.
Roger Toussaint negotiates himself a very nice cushy job at the TWU of America, our parent Union for a $160,000 a year. Then appoints his successor Curtis Tate to run our Union as he misleads the membership into believing we are finally rid of this parasitic embolism. So why then does non-president Toussaint change the locks to Recording Secretary Darlene Lawson's office and confiscate the section and division meeting records Darlene Lawson is lawfully the guardian of?. Is he now planning on altering the monthly meeting records? Perhaps some one on the United Invincible slate missed a few meetings and didn't qualify for re-election? One thing is for certain, he has violated another elected officers authority.Our union is as corrupt as many other unions were under organized crime decades ago. Yet, we the membership do absolutely nothing about it. The list goes on and on. I can sit here for a day or two and go on endlessly. We know the stories, we live them every day. The enemy might have started out being the MTA, but Toussaint/Watt/Tate have changed the map. They are definitely not our saviors.
What options short of armed revolution do we have? Well, a powerful weapon is at your fingertips. Your Vote! Soon as the ballots start arriving at your homes the United Invincible team may ask if you have received your ballot in the mail. Innocent enough right? No, not at all. That's just a pitch to the followup question when they now ask you to bring your ballot in should you have any questions. They will ask you to turn it over to them. They will tell you something along the lines of " relax I'll send it in for you just leave it blank" Dont do it! Do not give away your voice or your vote.Stand tall, vote them out. Lets clean out 80 West End. Send them packing once and for all.
Did you ever think Local 100 elections might be rigged? The thought has occurred to many of us. Lets look at the facts:Local 100 wont release the list of paid dues members. Because many currently elected officers running on the United invisible did not pay their dues themselves! Ask any of them to show you their dues statement. They wont.
Toussaint and his hand picked crew removed many democratically elected officers you the membership elected! Do you think things will be different with his handpicked successor and most of Rogers own staff still in place? Dictators never give up power freely, history has proven this time and time again.
How often did you wonder quietly about what really happened to our contract negotiations? Why did the Toussaint/Watt/Tate team again violate the membership by excluding every officer we elected to represent us? Local 100 officers cower in fear as local 100 continues to hopelessly slide into draconian rule.
For three terms we have hoped and prayed for 20-50 to no avail. Then we were lead on a catastrophic strike that further drained every member of his hard earned money as we were hit with massive penalties and Local 100 was severely crippled financially for years to come.
Our Union Hall is sold for 60 million dollars. Then resold by the buyer to the tune of 90 million! Making some very lucky person a 30 million dollar profit within 18 months during the worst real estate slump in nearly a 100 years. This alone cries out for a criminal investigation. But your officers are fear full of raising any questions and facing the dictators wrath.
Roger Toussaint negotiates himself a very nice cushy job at the TWU of America, our parent Union for a $160,000 a year. Then appoints his successor Curtis Tate to run our Union as he misleads the membership into believing we are finally rid of this parasitic embolism. So why then does non-president Toussaint change the locks to Recording Secretary Darlene Lawson's office and confiscate the section and division meeting records Darlene Lawson is lawfully the guardian of?. Is he now planning on altering the monthly meeting records? Perhaps some one on the United Invincible slate missed a few meetings and didn't qualify for re-election? One thing is for certain, he has violated another elected officers authority.Our union is as corrupt as many other unions were under organized crime decades ago. Yet, we the membership do absolutely nothing about it. The list goes on and on. I can sit here for a day or two and go on endlessly. We know the stories, we live them every day. The enemy might have started out being the MTA, but Toussaint/Watt/Tate have changed the map. They are definitely not our saviors.
What options short of armed revolution do we have? Well, a powerful weapon is at your fingertips. Your Vote! Soon as the ballots start arriving at your homes the United Invincible team may ask if you have received your ballot in the mail. Innocent enough right? No, not at all. That's just a pitch to the followup question when they now ask you to bring your ballot in should you have any questions. They will ask you to turn it over to them. They will tell you something along the lines of " relax I'll send it in for you just leave it blank" Dont do it! Do not give away your voice or your vote.Stand tall, vote them out. Lets clean out 80 West End. Send them packing once and for all.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
TBOU ACTION UPDATE : UNDO THE COUP AT WBAI
**** Please circulate widely ****UNDO THE COUP AT WBAI!**** Whose Station? Our Station!Pacifica National Removes General Manager - Program Director Next? Gag Rule Imposed on Programmers Who Dissent from National Takeover :
Attend a Public Forum on the WBAI Crisis - Tues., May 12, 7:00 PM at Dist. 1707, 75 Varick St. (n. of Canal St.), 14th Fl., Manhattan (A or 1 train to Canal St.) Sponsor: Ad Hoc Community Activist Coalition on WBAI - for info on this event & those below, call 212-561-7231.
Attend CEMOTAP's Great Debate: Is the Bloomberg Administration Good for Black People? - Sun., May 17, 6 - 9 PM- Bernard White speaks re WBAI, 7:30 PM - Salem United Methodist Church, 129th & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., Harlem
Speak out at the WBAI Local Station Board mtg., Wed., May 20, 7 PM - place TBA.*******
Fight Back! VOICE YOUR PROTEST * BECOME A WBAI VOTING MEMBER!
Send an email to the Pacifica National Board at pnb@pacifica.org - which reaches each board member individually, including Grace Aaron. Please send a cc to info@justiceunity.org. Demand Hands Off WBAI Management! Maintain local control of programming!
Also call Grace Aaron at (310) 286-1011 or (310) 402-4087 with the same message.
Sign a petition to RECALL Local Station Board members Steve Brown, Mitch Cohen, James Ross, and Carolyn Birden, leaders of the attack on WBAI management.
At this point, IT IS URGENT THAT YOU JOIN THE STATION (by donating $25 or more or 3 hours of volunteer work) so that you have the right to vote for Justice & Unity board candidates and to recall destructive board members.
Call the station's pledge line at (212) 209-2950 - ask them to note on the card that you oppose removal of local management. Or pledge at http://www.wbai.org/.
Copy and distribute the "Undo the Coup" flyer to get the word out.
Stay updated with: THE WBAI JUSTICE & UNITY CAMPAIGN(212) 591-2111
* http://www.justiceunity.org/ (join our email list there) info@justiceunity.org *For More TBOU ACTION UPDATES visit our website at : http://www.takebackourunion.org/
Attend a Public Forum on the WBAI Crisis - Tues., May 12, 7:00 PM at Dist. 1707, 75 Varick St. (n. of Canal St.), 14th Fl., Manhattan (A or 1 train to Canal St.) Sponsor: Ad Hoc Community Activist Coalition on WBAI - for info on this event & those below, call 212-561-7231.
Attend CEMOTAP's Great Debate: Is the Bloomberg Administration Good for Black People? - Sun., May 17, 6 - 9 PM- Bernard White speaks re WBAI, 7:30 PM - Salem United Methodist Church, 129th & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., Harlem
Speak out at the WBAI Local Station Board mtg., Wed., May 20, 7 PM - place TBA.*******
Fight Back! VOICE YOUR PROTEST * BECOME A WBAI VOTING MEMBER!
Send an email to the Pacifica National Board at pnb@pacifica.org - which reaches each board member individually, including Grace Aaron. Please send a cc to info@justiceunity.org. Demand Hands Off WBAI Management! Maintain local control of programming!
Also call Grace Aaron at (310) 286-1011 or (310) 402-4087 with the same message.
Sign a petition to RECALL Local Station Board members Steve Brown, Mitch Cohen, James Ross, and Carolyn Birden, leaders of the attack on WBAI management.
At this point, IT IS URGENT THAT YOU JOIN THE STATION (by donating $25 or more or 3 hours of volunteer work) so that you have the right to vote for Justice & Unity board candidates and to recall destructive board members.
Call the station's pledge line at (212) 209-2950 - ask them to note on the card that you oppose removal of local management. Or pledge at http://www.wbai.org/.
Copy and distribute the "Undo the Coup" flyer to get the word out.
Stay updated with: THE WBAI JUSTICE & UNITY CAMPAIGN(212) 591-2111
* http://www.justiceunity.org/ (join our email list there) info@justiceunity.org *For More TBOU ACTION UPDATES visit our website at : http://www.takebackourunion.org/
Take Back Our Union (RTO) FundRaising Party Saturday,May 16,2009
Please join us one week from today Saturday May 16, 2009 from 10:30P.M. until 4:00AM for a
Take Back Our Union (TBOU) Fundraising Party hosted by the TBOU (RTO) Division ,at the Sugar Hill Night Club Located at 615 DeKalb Avenue (corner of Nostrand Ave), Brooklyn, NY. By Subway take G Train to Bedford Nostrand Avenue station if coming from Manhattan make sure to ride the front of the train.
Contribution only $20 which includes a Free Buffet for advance tickets holders.There will also be Door Prizes and a cash bar .Music will be provided by D.J. Madd Marv playing everything from Old School, to Today's R&B, as well as Latin & Reggae music.
Also there will be a Live Performance by Songstress Extraordinaire Benita Johnson starting at 10:45 P.M.For tickets, or more info please contact Lee Ireland at 718-415 9283 and
for more information on other Take Back Our Union (TBOU): Fundraisers, Events , Workshops and Seminars please visit our website :www.TakeBackOurUnion.org
Take Back Our Union (TBOU) Fundraising Party hosted by the TBOU (RTO) Division ,at the Sugar Hill Night Club Located at 615 DeKalb Avenue (corner of Nostrand Ave), Brooklyn, NY. By Subway take G Train to Bedford Nostrand Avenue station if coming from Manhattan make sure to ride the front of the train.
Contribution only $20 which includes a Free Buffet for advance tickets holders.There will also be Door Prizes and a cash bar .Music will be provided by D.J. Madd Marv playing everything from Old School, to Today's R&B, as well as Latin & Reggae music.
Also there will be a Live Performance by Songstress Extraordinaire Benita Johnson starting at 10:45 P.M.For tickets, or more info please contact Lee Ireland at 718-415 9283 and
for more information on other Take Back Our Union (TBOU): Fundraisers, Events , Workshops and Seminars please visit our website :www.TakeBackOurUnion.org
Friday, May 8, 2009
Take Back Our Union (TBOU) calls on all Trade Unionists to support the Stella D'Oro Strike
To All Trade Unionists and Stella D'Oro Strike Supporters:
Get on the Bus!
After nine months on strike against vicious concessions, BCTGM Local 50 and the 136 strikers at Stella D'Oro have had enough -- and on Monday are taking the fight directly to Stella D'Oro's owners, the private equity firm Brynwood Partners, in Greenwich, Connecticut!
We'll be leaving on buses from the picket line at 237th Street and Broadway promptly at 10AM. This is a full day excursion to leaflet, demonstrate, and otherwise make a scene and pressure Brynwood Partners to settle the strike now. We will be returning in the afternoon. All are welcome; please join us!
In order to determine how many buses we'll need, we are collecting names and phone numbers of those supporters who think they might want to come with us.
If you are interested in joining us on Monday, May 11, to bring the fight to the boss in Greenwich, please e-mail your name and number to micah.landau@gmail.com as soon as possible.
You can also reserve seats for friends or for your organization -- but please try your best to fill them.
Depending on costs, the union may ask supporters to make a donation to defray the costs of the trip -- but bus seats are free, courtesy of Local 50, for the time being.
We hope to see many of you there. Please feel free to call Micah Landau at 917 572 8684 with any questions you may have -- and remember to forward this e-mail widely!
See you on the bus!
For those who have not heard about the strike:
The 136 workers at biscuit- and cookie-producer Stella D'Oro have been on strike since August 13, 2008. Now, almost nine months later, they are still going strong -- to this day not a single striker has crossed the union's picket line.
Strikers walked off the job in August in response to draconian concessions demanded by the company's owner, Connecticut-based private equity firm Brynwood Partners. Brynwood has refused to negotiate in good faith and is demanding enormous concessions from the workers in an attempt to break their union. Concessions demanded by the company include:
- a 25 percent reduction in wages from $18 to $13 per hour;
- elimination of Saturday overtime;
- a new 20 percent employee contribution to health care; and
- elimination of four holidays, one week of vacation, and all 12 paid sick days workers currently receive.
We are fighting back, but we need your help! Tell your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and union brothers and sisters: Get on the bus! Support the Stella D'Oro strikers!You can read more about the strike here.
Get on the Bus!
After nine months on strike against vicious concessions, BCTGM Local 50 and the 136 strikers at Stella D'Oro have had enough -- and on Monday are taking the fight directly to Stella D'Oro's owners, the private equity firm Brynwood Partners, in Greenwich, Connecticut!
We'll be leaving on buses from the picket line at 237th Street and Broadway promptly at 10AM. This is a full day excursion to leaflet, demonstrate, and otherwise make a scene and pressure Brynwood Partners to settle the strike now. We will be returning in the afternoon. All are welcome; please join us!
In order to determine how many buses we'll need, we are collecting names and phone numbers of those supporters who think they might want to come with us.
If you are interested in joining us on Monday, May 11, to bring the fight to the boss in Greenwich, please e-mail your name and number to micah.landau@gmail.com as soon as possible.
You can also reserve seats for friends or for your organization -- but please try your best to fill them.
Depending on costs, the union may ask supporters to make a donation to defray the costs of the trip -- but bus seats are free, courtesy of Local 50, for the time being.
We hope to see many of you there. Please feel free to call Micah Landau at 917 572 8684 with any questions you may have -- and remember to forward this e-mail widely!
See you on the bus!
For those who have not heard about the strike:
The 136 workers at biscuit- and cookie-producer Stella D'Oro have been on strike since August 13, 2008. Now, almost nine months later, they are still going strong -- to this day not a single striker has crossed the union's picket line.
Strikers walked off the job in August in response to draconian concessions demanded by the company's owner, Connecticut-based private equity firm Brynwood Partners. Brynwood has refused to negotiate in good faith and is demanding enormous concessions from the workers in an attempt to break their union. Concessions demanded by the company include:
- a 25 percent reduction in wages from $18 to $13 per hour;
- elimination of Saturday overtime;
- a new 20 percent employee contribution to health care; and
- elimination of four holidays, one week of vacation, and all 12 paid sick days workers currently receive.
We are fighting back, but we need your help! Tell your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and union brothers and sisters: Get on the bus! Support the Stella D'Oro strikers!You can read more about the strike here.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
MTA gets Bailout but not Stations Department
The State Legislature passed a series of new fees and taxes yesterday to stop service cuts, avert layoffs and to keep NY Transit base fare from rising above $2.25 this year. But according to officials from both the MTA and TWU Local 100 this new bail out plan for the MTA will not stop the booth closings.The MTA appears to still plan to close over 150 booths in July even after getting this bail out money from Albany.The closing of so many subway booths also means that members of Station's Department should still be concerned with the possibility of layoffs.
Therefore Take Back Our Union (TBOU) will continue to lead the fight to stop booth closings and to avert layoffs and we are asking for all members to get involved.TBOU will be sitting up a series of protests and rallies at various Stations all over the city to inform the public that the MTA is still planning on closing booths.In addition we will be visiting various elected officials at there offices in there communities.TBOU also has many allies in the community prepared and willing to fight this issue with us. So check http://www.tbou.org/ daily to stay updated on breaking news and further developments on this and all transit worker related issues.
Therefore Take Back Our Union (TBOU) will continue to lead the fight to stop booth closings and to avert layoffs and we are asking for all members to get involved.TBOU will be sitting up a series of protests and rallies at various Stations all over the city to inform the public that the MTA is still planning on closing booths.In addition we will be visiting various elected officials at there offices in there communities.TBOU also has many allies in the community prepared and willing to fight this issue with us. So check http://www.tbou.org/ daily to stay updated on breaking news and further developments on this and all transit worker related issues.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Thursday May 7th forum on National Health Care Reform
Take Back Our Union (TBOU) supports and endorses tomorrow's health care forum as
LEO GERARD SPEAKS ON NATIONAL HEALTH CARE REFORM – Thursday, May 7, 2009, 5:30-8pm at SEIU Local 32BJ Auditorium, 101 Avenue of the Americas.
Leo Gerard, International President, United Steel Workers of America and Co-Chair of the AFL-CIO Health Care Policy Committee, will be in NYC on Thursday, May 7, 2009 to speak on labor’s stake in the current fight for health care reform. The event will take place from 5:30-8pm at SEIU Local 32 BJ Auditorium (101 Avenue of the Americas, one block north of Canal). Subway: A, C, E, 1, 2, or 3 to Canal. for more information and to stay informed visit www.tbou.org
LEO GERARD SPEAKS ON NATIONAL HEALTH CARE REFORM – Thursday, May 7, 2009, 5:30-8pm at SEIU Local 32BJ Auditorium, 101 Avenue of the Americas.
Leo Gerard, International President, United Steel Workers of America and Co-Chair of the AFL-CIO Health Care Policy Committee, will be in NYC on Thursday, May 7, 2009 to speak on labor’s stake in the current fight for health care reform. The event will take place from 5:30-8pm at SEIU Local 32 BJ Auditorium (101 Avenue of the Americas, one block north of Canal). Subway: A, C, E, 1, 2, or 3 to Canal. for more information and to stay informed visit www.tbou.org
Monday, May 4, 2009
We Can't Wait Until After the Election-by Steve Downs
We Can’t Wait Until After the Election bySteve Downs Division Chair, T/O Division
Hundreds of transit workers are under the threat of lay-offs. Local 100 is still without contracts at the TA, MaBSTOA, and MTA Bus. Service cuts and a fare hike are on the horizon. And the best Local 100’s leadership can do in response is to call for hearings in Albany and threaten to hold some anemic demonstrations outside the MTA offices. But Albany is part of the problem and the demonstration on April 24 was a show of weakness, not strength.
It’s clear that the current Local 100 leadership does not have a viable strategy for protecting our jobs or achieving a good contract. But we cannot wait until after the elections to address the problems our union faces. As a member of the Local and the elected chair of the T/O division, I propose the following immediate steps toward securing our jobs, a good contract, and a stronger union:
1. Convene a Joint Executive Board meeting Bring the Local officers, Executive Board members, division officers and section chairs together to discuss how best to stop lay-offs and service cuts and how to win a good contract. Forget the speeches from politicians and the posturing by Local officers. Let’s have an honest and open discussion about where we are and then take steps to get what we need. Better yet, hold a summit meeting of the current Local officers, Board members and Division officers along with all the candidates for those positions. Put all of our heads together for the benefit of the union and the membership.
2. Enforce all safety and operating rulesThe MTA wants to get more work out of fewer people. The truth is that we need more workers to have a safe, clean, and efficient bus and subway system. We need to strictly enforce all safety and operating rules. The Local needs to lead this effort and provide staff and resources to help make it happen. But the union reps can’t do this on their own. Every member needs to step up, coordinate with their co-workers, and work in strict accordance with all safety and operating rules.
3. Fight to suspend the payments on MTA bondsFor over 20 years, whether Democrats or Republicans were in office, the city, state and federal governments cut operating subsidies for mass transit. Under Pataki Albany refused to provide funds for the capital spending needed to maintain and improve the system. The MTA had to borrow money to buy subway cars and buses and rebuild tracks and stations. The bonds the MTA issued provided fat commissions to bankers, safe returns to investors – and drain off money from the farebox. Now, although the MTA is threatening layoffs, service cuts, a fare increase, and a wage freeze, the interest payments that are at the root of the MTA’s budget crisis are not being questioned. Local 100 should lead the coalition of MTA union’s in demanding that the interest payments on the MTA’s debt be suspended as a first step toward resolving the MTA’s budget crisis.--
Steve DownsChair, T/O Division of TWU 100 for more information and updates go to www.tbou.org
Hundreds of transit workers are under the threat of lay-offs. Local 100 is still without contracts at the TA, MaBSTOA, and MTA Bus. Service cuts and a fare hike are on the horizon. And the best Local 100’s leadership can do in response is to call for hearings in Albany and threaten to hold some anemic demonstrations outside the MTA offices. But Albany is part of the problem and the demonstration on April 24 was a show of weakness, not strength.
It’s clear that the current Local 100 leadership does not have a viable strategy for protecting our jobs or achieving a good contract. But we cannot wait until after the elections to address the problems our union faces. As a member of the Local and the elected chair of the T/O division, I propose the following immediate steps toward securing our jobs, a good contract, and a stronger union:
1. Convene a Joint Executive Board meeting Bring the Local officers, Executive Board members, division officers and section chairs together to discuss how best to stop lay-offs and service cuts and how to win a good contract. Forget the speeches from politicians and the posturing by Local officers. Let’s have an honest and open discussion about where we are and then take steps to get what we need. Better yet, hold a summit meeting of the current Local officers, Board members and Division officers along with all the candidates for those positions. Put all of our heads together for the benefit of the union and the membership.
2. Enforce all safety and operating rulesThe MTA wants to get more work out of fewer people. The truth is that we need more workers to have a safe, clean, and efficient bus and subway system. We need to strictly enforce all safety and operating rules. The Local needs to lead this effort and provide staff and resources to help make it happen. But the union reps can’t do this on their own. Every member needs to step up, coordinate with their co-workers, and work in strict accordance with all safety and operating rules.
3. Fight to suspend the payments on MTA bondsFor over 20 years, whether Democrats or Republicans were in office, the city, state and federal governments cut operating subsidies for mass transit. Under Pataki Albany refused to provide funds for the capital spending needed to maintain and improve the system. The MTA had to borrow money to buy subway cars and buses and rebuild tracks and stations. The bonds the MTA issued provided fat commissions to bankers, safe returns to investors – and drain off money from the farebox. Now, although the MTA is threatening layoffs, service cuts, a fare increase, and a wage freeze, the interest payments that are at the root of the MTA’s budget crisis are not being questioned. Local 100 should lead the coalition of MTA union’s in demanding that the interest payments on the MTA’s debt be suspended as a first step toward resolving the MTA’s budget crisis.--
Steve DownsChair, T/O Division of TWU 100 for more information and updates go to www.tbou.org
Big Healthcare win for workers, but Toussaint still silent
***For Immediate Release*** NY State Department of Insurance Rejects Emblem Health Claim; Releases Documents to Activists Wednesday April 29, 2009 -
On Tuesday April 28, 2009 Michelle Birnbaum, Legal Assistant to the General Counsel of NY State, notified activist Billy Wharton that the NY State Department of Insurance (DOI) would comply with his Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Wharton requested that all documents related to the proposed conversion of Emblem Health (formerly GHI & HIP) to a for-profit corporation be made public.
Emblem Health attempted to counter this by claiming that their latest for-profit conversion application should be exempt from Freedom of Information Act laws. Emblem argued that their amended application contained trade secrets and proprietary information. The DOI rejected this claim and has transmitted the revised “draft” application to Mr. Wharton along with a full list of documents relating to the attempted for-profit conversion. “The release of these documents,” said Wharton,”should increase public debate over a health care privatization which could negatively impact more than 3 million New Yorkers.” There has been strong outcry from public health advocates about the proposed conversion since the application was filed by Emblem with the DOI in December 2007. Despite this, no impact analysis of the conversion has been conducted and only two public hearings have been organized by the DOI.
Emblem claims that the conversion would provide it with the private capital needed to upgrade administration and increase their competitive advantage. Activists see the for-profit conversation as a privatization attempt which would lead to higher premiums, denial of access to care and the possible elimination of coverage for less–profitable Medicaid recipients. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg also objected to the merger and conversion of the companies by citing violations of anti-trust laws. Faced with widespread opposition from all sectors of the health care rights community, Emblem withdrew its application for conversion in early 2008. A new “draft” proposal was filed the DOI on July 24, 2008. Since Emblem did not formally file an application, the document seemed to be exempt from Freedom of Information Laws. Activists expect the “draft” application to contain Emblem’s attempt to respond to public criticisms of the proposed conversion. Emblem has yet to file another official application with the DOI.
TWU Local 100 president Roger Toussaint who sits on GHI Corporate Board of Directors yet still remains silent on the subject of the merger and, the conversion of transit workers health care benefits. Mr. Toussaint has been silent on the privatization of our health care just as the slate he endorses has been invisible on fighting for our health care to stay non profit.Take Back Our Union (TBOU) will continue to work with other activists and organizations to fight back these attacks on our health care benefits . Take Back Our Union(TBOU)looks to focus on real issues that impact the lives of Transit Workers and not politics .For more information visit www.tbou.org.
On Tuesday April 28, 2009 Michelle Birnbaum, Legal Assistant to the General Counsel of NY State, notified activist Billy Wharton that the NY State Department of Insurance (DOI) would comply with his Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Wharton requested that all documents related to the proposed conversion of Emblem Health (formerly GHI & HIP) to a for-profit corporation be made public.
Emblem Health attempted to counter this by claiming that their latest for-profit conversion application should be exempt from Freedom of Information Act laws. Emblem argued that their amended application contained trade secrets and proprietary information. The DOI rejected this claim and has transmitted the revised “draft” application to Mr. Wharton along with a full list of documents relating to the attempted for-profit conversion. “The release of these documents,” said Wharton,”should increase public debate over a health care privatization which could negatively impact more than 3 million New Yorkers.” There has been strong outcry from public health advocates about the proposed conversion since the application was filed by Emblem with the DOI in December 2007. Despite this, no impact analysis of the conversion has been conducted and only two public hearings have been organized by the DOI.
Emblem claims that the conversion would provide it with the private capital needed to upgrade administration and increase their competitive advantage. Activists see the for-profit conversation as a privatization attempt which would lead to higher premiums, denial of access to care and the possible elimination of coverage for less–profitable Medicaid recipients. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg also objected to the merger and conversion of the companies by citing violations of anti-trust laws. Faced with widespread opposition from all sectors of the health care rights community, Emblem withdrew its application for conversion in early 2008. A new “draft” proposal was filed the DOI on July 24, 2008. Since Emblem did not formally file an application, the document seemed to be exempt from Freedom of Information Laws. Activists expect the “draft” application to contain Emblem’s attempt to respond to public criticisms of the proposed conversion. Emblem has yet to file another official application with the DOI.
TWU Local 100 president Roger Toussaint who sits on GHI Corporate Board of Directors yet still remains silent on the subject of the merger and, the conversion of transit workers health care benefits. Mr. Toussaint has been silent on the privatization of our health care just as the slate he endorses has been invisible on fighting for our health care to stay non profit.Take Back Our Union (TBOU) will continue to work with other activists and organizations to fight back these attacks on our health care benefits . Take Back Our Union(TBOU)looks to focus on real issues that impact the lives of Transit Workers and not politics .For more information visit www.tbou.org.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Tate/Toussaint fears of Take Back Our Union(TBOU) causing election fraud
Toussaint’s United Invinsible Unjustly Removes MaBSTOA Candidates
Jimmy Colon – Sandra Santiago – Fernando ChilloThe Union is afraid of a fair fight.
They trumped-up false charges against several MaBSTOA candidates running with the Take Back Our Union slate.What happened to Colon?Vice Presidential candidate Jimmy Colon was disqualified by Toussaint over an absolutely false claim that he paid his dues late. The fact is Colon paid his dues every time the Union sent him an invoice. And he paid these amounts in full.What happened is last year the Union sent Colon two incorrect invoices. Colon paid what the invoices said he owed. Now, the Union says he can’t run because he only paid what the Union said he owed at the time.What happened to Santiago and Chillo?Santiago, who was nominated for Executive Board at OA Division 1 also paid every cent she owed and on time and she has the receipts to prove it.
The Union won’t even tell her what months they claim she didn’t pay her dues. Fernando Chillo, who was nominated for Division 1 Chair, is also in the dark about why the Union claims he didn’t pay on time. It’s not right to bounce people without even telling them why.Vote: Take Back Our UnionWhen a Union targets people like Colon, Santiago and Chillo and prevents them from running for office, there is only one answer: we all must vote for the slate supported by Colon, Santiago and Chillo: Take Back Our Union.If elected, Take Back Our Union will respect our differences and treat every member the same. We will win good contracts and protect our livelihoods.
We will rebuild Local 100 by uniting, organizing and mobilizing the membership into a Union that has real power in the subways, on the buses and in the halls of government to get us good contracts. We believe in having a Union that management must respect.
John Samuelsen for President, Israel Rivera for Secretary-Treasurer ,
Benita Johnson for Recording Secretary,Angel Giboyeaux for Administrative Vice President
For More Information: http://www.tbou2009.org/
Jimmy Colon – Sandra Santiago – Fernando ChilloThe Union is afraid of a fair fight.
They trumped-up false charges against several MaBSTOA candidates running with the Take Back Our Union slate.What happened to Colon?Vice Presidential candidate Jimmy Colon was disqualified by Toussaint over an absolutely false claim that he paid his dues late. The fact is Colon paid his dues every time the Union sent him an invoice. And he paid these amounts in full.What happened is last year the Union sent Colon two incorrect invoices. Colon paid what the invoices said he owed. Now, the Union says he can’t run because he only paid what the Union said he owed at the time.What happened to Santiago and Chillo?Santiago, who was nominated for Executive Board at OA Division 1 also paid every cent she owed and on time and she has the receipts to prove it.
The Union won’t even tell her what months they claim she didn’t pay her dues. Fernando Chillo, who was nominated for Division 1 Chair, is also in the dark about why the Union claims he didn’t pay on time. It’s not right to bounce people without even telling them why.Vote: Take Back Our UnionWhen a Union targets people like Colon, Santiago and Chillo and prevents them from running for office, there is only one answer: we all must vote for the slate supported by Colon, Santiago and Chillo: Take Back Our Union.If elected, Take Back Our Union will respect our differences and treat every member the same. We will win good contracts and protect our livelihoods.
We will rebuild Local 100 by uniting, organizing and mobilizing the membership into a Union that has real power in the subways, on the buses and in the halls of government to get us good contracts. We believe in having a Union that management must respect.
John Samuelsen for President, Israel Rivera for Secretary-Treasurer ,
Benita Johnson for Recording Secretary,Angel Giboyeaux for Administrative Vice President
For More Information: http://www.tbou2009.org/
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Take Back Our Union (TBOU) Fundrasier This Thursday April 30th
Come join us for a Take Back Our Union (TBOU) fundraising event hosted by the
Car Equipment Division Candidates of Take Back Our Union.
You will have an opportunity to meet and greet with
candidates of TBOU from various departments.
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2009
Time: 3PM – 7PM
Location: Shell Lanes (Bowling Alley), 1 Bouck Court,
Brooklyn NY, 11223.
Off of Shell Road one block south of Avenue X, across the
street from the Coney Island Yard Entrance. F train to Ave X.
Belt Parkway to Ocean Parkway.
Donation: $20 includes international buffet, and soft drinks. Cash bar.
Entertainment: Musical Mike
50/50 raffles with instant winners, and prize
Contacts: for tickets
Richard Rivera 646-996-5981 Horace Briggs 718-877-9824
Nicholas Lucas 917-658-1702 George Perlstein 917-364-3635 3PM-7PM
Michael Russel 207 Maintenance Shop Lawrence Rafalovich Coney Island OH
Ron Jones Jerome Maintenance Shop Jose Arroyo 917-678-5260
Marvin Holland 347-804-6982
Please visit our website for more information on the Take Back Our Union Campaign.
www.takebackourunion.org
Car Equipment Division Candidates of Take Back Our Union.
You will have an opportunity to meet and greet with
candidates of TBOU from various departments.
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2009
Time: 3PM – 7PM
Location: Shell Lanes (Bowling Alley), 1 Bouck Court,
Brooklyn NY, 11223.
Off of Shell Road one block south of Avenue X, across the
street from the Coney Island Yard Entrance. F train to Ave X.
Belt Parkway to Ocean Parkway.
Donation: $20 includes international buffet, and soft drinks. Cash bar.
Entertainment: Musical Mike
50/50 raffles with instant winners, and prize
Contacts: for tickets
Richard Rivera 646-996-5981 Horace Briggs 718-877-9824
Nicholas Lucas 917-658-1702 George Perlstein 917-364-3635 3PM-7PM
Michael Russel 207 Maintenance Shop Lawrence Rafalovich Coney Island OH
Ron Jones Jerome Maintenance Shop Jose Arroyo 917-678-5260
Marvin Holland 347-804-6982
Please visit our website for more information on the Take Back Our Union Campaign.
www.takebackourunion.org
Rally Today to Stop MTA Service Cuts
Rally Today To Stop MTA Service Cuts: Union Square South @5:30PM
Time is running out to prevent layoffs, deep service cuts and steep fare hikes on the MTA. Due to lack of funding at by both the State and City , 8 million transit riders will face a 23% fare increase and wide service cuts. In addition over 1,10o transit workers face layoffs which would make the NYC transit system less safe and secure.Mass transit is essential to ensuring our City runs efficiently. More importantly, it is the only means of transportation for many people.
Workers who have been priced out of the City will face even longer commutes. Even more of their already shrinking paychecks will have to go to paying for transportation. With our environment facing a serious crisis, we need to encourage more people to take public transportation, not discourage them by making transit more expensive and less accessible. You can act to stop this from happening.
Rally Tuesday, April 28Union Square, South Plaza5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Make your voice heard. Hold Albany responsible for the gridlock that has prevented action on a workable MTA plan for months. It's a matter of protecting our workers, our environment and our jobs. You can also take a minute to let your state representative know that you are fed up with the roadblocks in Albany and want to see a real, workable plan for the MTA. Visit: http://ga3.org/campaign/adv_keepnymovggen
Time is running out to prevent layoffs, deep service cuts and steep fare hikes on the MTA. Due to lack of funding at by both the State and City , 8 million transit riders will face a 23% fare increase and wide service cuts. In addition over 1,10o transit workers face layoffs which would make the NYC transit system less safe and secure.Mass transit is essential to ensuring our City runs efficiently. More importantly, it is the only means of transportation for many people.
Workers who have been priced out of the City will face even longer commutes. Even more of their already shrinking paychecks will have to go to paying for transportation. With our environment facing a serious crisis, we need to encourage more people to take public transportation, not discourage them by making transit more expensive and less accessible. You can act to stop this from happening.
Rally Tuesday, April 28Union Square, South Plaza5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Make your voice heard. Hold Albany responsible for the gridlock that has prevented action on a workable MTA plan for months. It's a matter of protecting our workers, our environment and our jobs. You can also take a minute to let your state representative know that you are fed up with the roadblocks in Albany and want to see a real, workable plan for the MTA. Visit: http://ga3.org/campaign/adv_keepnymovggen
Monday, April 27, 2009
No Contract For TWU Still No Plan from Toussaint & Tate
The Daily News reported last week that the MTA will soon meet with Acting President Curtis Tate to tell him there is no money for raises this year. This bad news comes only a week after the MTA announced that 1500 TWU members may lose their jobs.
What is our Union’s strategy for getting a good contract in the face of this terrible news? According to our Union’s website, the Tate/Roberts/Watt team’s response is to “not attend” the meeting to learn the details of the problem. Pretty feeble response to a really bad situation, don’t you think?
The fact is the Tate/Roberts/Watt team doesn’t know what to do and is in a state of panic. They have repeatedly shown that they have no idea about how to properly run Local 100, return it to the power it once had and get a good contract for the members.
For a year, during all of 2008, the Tate/Roberts/Watt team allowed Toussaint to secretly negotiate our contract with the MTA. The membership was not mobilized for a contract campaign and not one word was ever said to the membership about the progress of negotiations. The only progress report we ever got was the shocking news that Toussaint decided to put our contract into binding arbitration without getting any Executive Board approval. The Tate/Roberts/Watt team just stood there silently and let Toussaint take away the right of the membership to vote on the contract.
After putting our contract into binding arbitration, it was doubly shocking to find out that Toussaint appointed himself to be one of the arbitrators. Again, the Tate/Roberts/Watt team and their Executive Board simply stood there, did nothing and let Toussaint give himself the power to decide the terms of our contract.
In early January on the Union’s website Toussaint promised that, “In the weeks ahead, arbitration hearings will proceed and a final decision will be issued.” To our knowledge hearings have not occurred. And weeks have turned into months as the news about what is happening gets worse and worse.
After leading a disastrous strike that nearly destroyed Local 100, Toussaint and Watt should have rebuilt the Union and organized the members for a full court press to get a good contract. Instead, it appears that Toussaint - supported every step of the way by the Tate/Roberts/Watt team - thought he could get a good contract by simply being nice and asking for one.
As one of three Arbitrators, all Toussaint now has to do to get us a contract with good wage increases, no layoffs, no bus regionalization, no new reduced pension tiers and which restores our free health insurance is get one of the other two arbitrators to agree with him. The Tate/Roberts/Watt team’s strategy for getting such a contract has been to bet on Toussaint while keeping the membership completely demobilized. That’s a bad strategy. The recent demonstration - where only about 1,000 members showed-up to protest against layoffs - shows how hard it is to carry on an effective fight after spending years demobilizing the membership.
If elected, Take Back Our Union (TBOU) will rebuild Local 100 by organizing, mobilizing and uniting the membership in a Union that has real power in the subways and on the buses and in the halls of government to get us good contracts. We don’t bet. We believe in a sure thing: having a Union with real power that management must respect. John Samuelsen President candidate Take Back Our Union (TBOU).
What is our Union’s strategy for getting a good contract in the face of this terrible news? According to our Union’s website, the Tate/Roberts/Watt team’s response is to “not attend” the meeting to learn the details of the problem. Pretty feeble response to a really bad situation, don’t you think?
The fact is the Tate/Roberts/Watt team doesn’t know what to do and is in a state of panic. They have repeatedly shown that they have no idea about how to properly run Local 100, return it to the power it once had and get a good contract for the members.
For a year, during all of 2008, the Tate/Roberts/Watt team allowed Toussaint to secretly negotiate our contract with the MTA. The membership was not mobilized for a contract campaign and not one word was ever said to the membership about the progress of negotiations. The only progress report we ever got was the shocking news that Toussaint decided to put our contract into binding arbitration without getting any Executive Board approval. The Tate/Roberts/Watt team just stood there silently and let Toussaint take away the right of the membership to vote on the contract.
After putting our contract into binding arbitration, it was doubly shocking to find out that Toussaint appointed himself to be one of the arbitrators. Again, the Tate/Roberts/Watt team and their Executive Board simply stood there, did nothing and let Toussaint give himself the power to decide the terms of our contract.
In early January on the Union’s website Toussaint promised that, “In the weeks ahead, arbitration hearings will proceed and a final decision will be issued.” To our knowledge hearings have not occurred. And weeks have turned into months as the news about what is happening gets worse and worse.
After leading a disastrous strike that nearly destroyed Local 100, Toussaint and Watt should have rebuilt the Union and organized the members for a full court press to get a good contract. Instead, it appears that Toussaint - supported every step of the way by the Tate/Roberts/Watt team - thought he could get a good contract by simply being nice and asking for one.
As one of three Arbitrators, all Toussaint now has to do to get us a contract with good wage increases, no layoffs, no bus regionalization, no new reduced pension tiers and which restores our free health insurance is get one of the other two arbitrators to agree with him. The Tate/Roberts/Watt team’s strategy for getting such a contract has been to bet on Toussaint while keeping the membership completely demobilized. That’s a bad strategy. The recent demonstration - where only about 1,000 members showed-up to protest against layoffs - shows how hard it is to carry on an effective fight after spending years demobilizing the membership.
If elected, Take Back Our Union (TBOU) will rebuild Local 100 by organizing, mobilizing and uniting the membership in a Union that has real power in the subways and on the buses and in the halls of government to get us good contracts. We don’t bet. We believe in a sure thing: having a Union with real power that management must respect. John Samuelsen President candidate Take Back Our Union (TBOU).
Friday, April 17, 2009
Take Back Our Union endorses & supports TWU Rally this Thursday April 23
Take Back Our Union (TBOU) fully supports and endorses the emergency demonstration to stop the layoffs this coming Thursday April 23, 2009 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM @ MTA HQ -347 Madison Avenue at East 44 street Mid -town Manhattan.
TWU Local 100 has called an emergency demonstration to protest the threatened layoffs of hundreds of Bus Operators,Station Agents,and Cleaners.Take Back Our Union(TBOU) urges all members and supporters to attend.This is not a time for partisan politics, as every union member and supporter must do everything they can to help stop the layoffs of our brothers and sisters.
Take Back Our Union (TBOU) has been demonstrating with our allies around the city for months against the threatened layoffs. We have testified against layoffs at MTA Board meetings and at every fare hike hearings in NYC.In addition we have attended dozens of community meetings ,protests and rallies to stop service cuts and fare hikes.Unfortunately,until now, our current union leadership has not understood the need for action.We welcome them to the struggle to stop the layoffs.So once again Take Back Our Union(TBOU) is calling for all members to come out to the: Emergency Demonstration To Stop The Layoffs this Thursday April 23 2009 from 4:30PM to 6:30PM @ MTA HQ 347 Madison avenue at 44th street.
So wear your Take Back Our Union (TBOU) hats, buttons and T-shirts. Brings signs and banners every TWU Local 100 member should plan on attending.
TWU Local 100 has called an emergency demonstration to protest the threatened layoffs of hundreds of Bus Operators,Station Agents,and Cleaners.Take Back Our Union(TBOU) urges all members and supporters to attend.This is not a time for partisan politics, as every union member and supporter must do everything they can to help stop the layoffs of our brothers and sisters.
Take Back Our Union (TBOU) has been demonstrating with our allies around the city for months against the threatened layoffs. We have testified against layoffs at MTA Board meetings and at every fare hike hearings in NYC.In addition we have attended dozens of community meetings ,protests and rallies to stop service cuts and fare hikes.Unfortunately,until now, our current union leadership has not understood the need for action.We welcome them to the struggle to stop the layoffs.So once again Take Back Our Union(TBOU) is calling for all members to come out to the: Emergency Demonstration To Stop The Layoffs this Thursday April 23 2009 from 4:30PM to 6:30PM @ MTA HQ 347 Madison avenue at 44th street.
So wear your Take Back Our Union (TBOU) hats, buttons and T-shirts. Brings signs and banners every TWU Local 100 member should plan on attending.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
RALLY FOR NEW YORK!This Thursday March 5th
RALLY FOR NEW YORK!
Thursday, March 5th, 4pm, City Hall
Devastating budget cuts still threaten our communities, our jobs, our neighbors and our families.
Speak out for fair solutions! There is a better way!
Join union members, community groups, non-profit organizations and more to speak out against the dangerous budget proposals now being considered in Albany and City Hall. It's Time to Take Back New York !
Rally Hot Line 212-510-6467
Thursday, March 5th, 4pm, City Hall
Devastating budget cuts still threaten our communities, our jobs, our neighbors and our families.
Speak out for fair solutions! There is a better way!
Join union members, community groups, non-profit organizations and more to speak out against the dangerous budget proposals now being considered in Albany and City Hall. It's Time to Take Back New York !
Rally Hot Line 212-510-6467
Thursday, January 29, 2009
MARCH TO STOP THE MTA FARE HIKES -
Mon. Feb 2nd
BAIL OUT RIDERS, NOT THE BANKS!
THIS MONDAY FEBRUARY 2ND 2009 @ 5:00pm
125 STREET at ST. NICHOLAS AVENUE on (A/B/C/D ) Train AT 5:30pm
MARCH TO 125 STREET LENOX AVE. ( 2/3) Train for and then Rally and PROTEST Against
MTA SERVICE CUTS from 6:00 to 7:00 PM(on Lenox avenue station)
This Monday, Feb. 2nd Transit Workers will lead a march across Harlem to protest the fare hikes and service cuts. We can not allow the MTA to pit riders against transit workers to try to fix their budget problems. The MTA crisis was created by the MTA. The bank crisis was created by their own bond debt; Why should the people pay? We say bail out the people -- not the banks. Many of those same banks were just bailed out by billions of dollars of the people's money. Bank of America just got 20 billion more.
No, now is not the time to raise fares and cut services. Now is time for the banks to use one of the billions they sucked out of mass transit, the treasury and our labor to pay for mass transit. So please join us this Monday, in Harlem at 125th street, starting at 5:00PM.
Sponsored by :
The Take Back Our Union Movement and The Bail Out the People Movement
Saturday, January 24, 2009
How to Rebuild TWU Local 100-by Steve Downs
On December 23,2008 President Toussaint sent the MTA/TWU 2009 contract to arbitration without any input from anyone.The question was asked by members all over the system what can we do about this?I think comrade Steve lays out an excellent blue print for us to follow but are the members of TWU Local 100 up to the the task of Taking Back Our Union.
from Steve Downs, Chair, T/O Division of TWU Local 100
1. Organize to defend ourselves on the job. The union's and the members' fates are ultimately determined by how well organized we are on the job day in and day out. Whether the problem is winning a good contract, dealing with abusive supervisors, mobilizing members to vote, correcting unreasonable schedules, or challenging the mayor or governor's call for cuts, if the members are well organized, we are more likely to achieve our goals. Unfortunately, in most parts of the system, the members are less organized now than they were 8 years ago. A big part of this is the union officers' fault, but part of it is the membership's fault.Following the union election in 2000, members on the job let their networks wither as they looked to the new union leadership for solutions to their problems. For a couple years, the officers tried to meet that challenge. Then the union stopped training stewards and Toussaint has denied elected reps the authority to represent the members who elected them. When Toussaint abandoned the worksites and concentrated the union's resources at the union hall, the members weren't in a position to step in and fill the void.A priority for anyone who cares about the future of our union, our contracts, and being able to survive 25 or 30 years on the job, is to build strong organizations on the job. Union resources need to be shifted toward officer training, steward training, developing stewards' councils, and working with members to identify and solve problems on the job.A strong union presence is part of the solution, but it's not everything. Members need to pull together even when a union rep is not available. Learn the rules and apply them to your advantage. Enforce safety regulations. Back each other up when someone is being harassed by a supervisor. Tight organization on the job, so that management and the union leadership both know that the members have the willingness and the ability to disrupt service, is our best defense against a bad contract or a bad ruling from the arbitrator.
2. Hold your elected reps accountable. Holding someone accountable is another way of saying, don't accept excuses. At the January Executive Board meeting, Toussaint was asked why he didn't let the Board decide whether or not to send the contract to binding arbitration. He replied that he didn't because he didn't have to. When he was asked what issues had been agreed to and what the arbitrator would be ruling on, he refused to answer, saying that it might effect the outcome of the arbitration. Management knows what's going to be in front of the arbitrator, why shouldn't the Local Executive Board? For that matter, why shouldn't we? (Has anyone else noticed that, despite his support for Obama, Toussaint's model of how to be a president is George W. Bush? Bush refused to give information to Congress; Toussaint refuses to give it to the Executive Board. Bush lied about the reasons for an ill-prepared war; Toussaint lied about the reasons for an ill-prepared strike. Can't you picture Toussaint standing at a podium refusing to explain his actions, saying, "I'm the decider"?)Every member of the Executive Board should be asked why he or she didn't make a motion ordering Toussaint to explain what issues remain to be resolved by the arbitrator – or be suspended from office. Why didn't they pass a motion overruling the declaration of impasse and the decision to seek arbitration? Those are just a few examples of the actions or inactions our officers need to be held accountable for.
3. We also have to hold each other accountable and reject the excuses we tell ourselves and each other. Do you know anyone who said they weren't paying dues because they didn't support Toussaint? Well, Toussaint survived, he's collecting their dues again, and he can ignore them because they're not in good standing. What's their excuse for not paying their back dues now? Or how about those people who didn't pay dues saying that the union doesn't do anything them? Did a single one of them go to management and say, "just pay me what you think I'm worth", or "I don't need to pick, just assign me where you need me", or "let me know how much vacation you think I deserve and when I should take it"? No, not a single one. They were just making excuses. If you're reading this and you haven't paid your dues, what's your excuse?Don't believe the person who says they don't get involved because it won't make any difference. Whether you attend union meetings, do safety inspections, come out for rallies, become a steward or, most important, work with your co-workers to correct problems on the job, you'll be making a difference.Don't accept excuses from those who don't vote. The 2005 contract was initially rejected by 7 votes. In 2006, the race for Local 100 VP from Car Equipment was rerun because the first vote ended in a tie. The 2008 Senate race in Minnesota was decided by about 250 votes. There is no excuse for working under unsafe conditions. Anyone who points out an unsafe condition makes a difference. Everyone who backs that person up makes a difference.
4. Those who argue that it won't make any difference if they get involved have gotten a lot of reinforcement from the Toussaint administration. By ignoring the decision of the members to reject the 2005 contract, altering the election rules, removing elected officers and stewards on trumped charges, refusing to allow the members to elect replacements to vacant VP spots, refusing to report fully on the progress of contract talks, and sending the contract to binding arbitration, Toussaint and his supporters on the Executive Board have severely damaged the commitment of members to the union and their willingness to get involved.We need to become a union run by its rank and file members. Any measures that move us away from that goal should be rejected. We want officers who will seek out measures that will bring us closer to that goal.The current Board can't undo the decision to ignore the contract vote in 2006, but they can make sure that the election rules in 2009 guarantee that officers are elected with the support of a majority of the voters. They can take steps to make sure the members vote on any new contract and to remove Toussaint from office if he refuses to comply with their decisions.The Board can restore elected officers to the duties they were elected to perform. And they can broaden the choices that will be available to the members at election time. A few officers who were late making a dues payment were not only removed from their office, they are barred from running for office for three years. The excuse given was that officers have to set an example. But no member who refused to pay dues did so because some officer was a week or two late with their dues. The removal of these officers was motivated by partisan maneuvering and does not serve the interest of the membership. The Executive Board should restore the right to run to those officers who are currently denied it. In addition, the Board should request a waiver from the national union to enable all members in good standing to run for office. The loss of dues check-off was an exceptional event that was not contemplated when the union's constitution was drafted. Someone who is in good-standing, but whose payments were late once or twice should not be treated the same as someone who refused to pay dues. The unintended consequence of this rule is to bar the overwhelming majority of members of the Local from being able to run for office. That does not serve the interest of increasing membership involvement in, and rank and file control over, the union. Or, instead of holding the union election in June, the Board could vote to return the union election to the end of the year. This would greatly increase the number of members eligible to run, it would ensure that the election doesn't take place before the arbitrator's award is issued, and it would avoid the absurd situation of waiting 6 months after the voting to count the ballots.
5. In the union's relationship with management, there are no "win-win" outcomes. The MTA, the governor, and the mayor all want us to work harder and get less in wages and/or benefits. They want new hires to work longer before they can collect a pension. The union's objectives should be that we get more in wages and benefits and work at a pace that will enable us to survive the job and collect our pensions for years and years. Our objectives are incompatible with our bosses'. Early last year, Toussaint welcomed the kinder, gentler approach of the new MTA head. He endorsed the MTA's "workforce development" plans. Similar schemes have unfolded in the private sector. It's clear that they are just sugar-coating the same old push for productivity and speed-up. We need to reject all talk about "partnership" between workers and management. We do not have any goals in common with our bosses.
6. There are no quick fixes. There are no shortcuts. Electing union officers who support this approach will help, but members must make it happen with or without them. Building rank and file power on the job and in our union will not solve all of our problems. But it's hard to see how our problems will be solved without it. And it is the only way to make sure that we hold onto the gains we make. If any of this makes sense to you and you're ready to start making it happen, or if you just want to get a deeper understanding of the suggestions I've made, please get in touch.-- Steve DownsChair, T/O Division of TWU 100
__._,_.___
from Steve Downs, Chair, T/O Division of TWU Local 100
1. Organize to defend ourselves on the job. The union's and the members' fates are ultimately determined by how well organized we are on the job day in and day out. Whether the problem is winning a good contract, dealing with abusive supervisors, mobilizing members to vote, correcting unreasonable schedules, or challenging the mayor or governor's call for cuts, if the members are well organized, we are more likely to achieve our goals. Unfortunately, in most parts of the system, the members are less organized now than they were 8 years ago. A big part of this is the union officers' fault, but part of it is the membership's fault.Following the union election in 2000, members on the job let their networks wither as they looked to the new union leadership for solutions to their problems. For a couple years, the officers tried to meet that challenge. Then the union stopped training stewards and Toussaint has denied elected reps the authority to represent the members who elected them. When Toussaint abandoned the worksites and concentrated the union's resources at the union hall, the members weren't in a position to step in and fill the void.A priority for anyone who cares about the future of our union, our contracts, and being able to survive 25 or 30 years on the job, is to build strong organizations on the job. Union resources need to be shifted toward officer training, steward training, developing stewards' councils, and working with members to identify and solve problems on the job.A strong union presence is part of the solution, but it's not everything. Members need to pull together even when a union rep is not available. Learn the rules and apply them to your advantage. Enforce safety regulations. Back each other up when someone is being harassed by a supervisor. Tight organization on the job, so that management and the union leadership both know that the members have the willingness and the ability to disrupt service, is our best defense against a bad contract or a bad ruling from the arbitrator.
2. Hold your elected reps accountable. Holding someone accountable is another way of saying, don't accept excuses. At the January Executive Board meeting, Toussaint was asked why he didn't let the Board decide whether or not to send the contract to binding arbitration. He replied that he didn't because he didn't have to. When he was asked what issues had been agreed to and what the arbitrator would be ruling on, he refused to answer, saying that it might effect the outcome of the arbitration. Management knows what's going to be in front of the arbitrator, why shouldn't the Local Executive Board? For that matter, why shouldn't we? (Has anyone else noticed that, despite his support for Obama, Toussaint's model of how to be a president is George W. Bush? Bush refused to give information to Congress; Toussaint refuses to give it to the Executive Board. Bush lied about the reasons for an ill-prepared war; Toussaint lied about the reasons for an ill-prepared strike. Can't you picture Toussaint standing at a podium refusing to explain his actions, saying, "I'm the decider"?)Every member of the Executive Board should be asked why he or she didn't make a motion ordering Toussaint to explain what issues remain to be resolved by the arbitrator – or be suspended from office. Why didn't they pass a motion overruling the declaration of impasse and the decision to seek arbitration? Those are just a few examples of the actions or inactions our officers need to be held accountable for.
3. We also have to hold each other accountable and reject the excuses we tell ourselves and each other. Do you know anyone who said they weren't paying dues because they didn't support Toussaint? Well, Toussaint survived, he's collecting their dues again, and he can ignore them because they're not in good standing. What's their excuse for not paying their back dues now? Or how about those people who didn't pay dues saying that the union doesn't do anything them? Did a single one of them go to management and say, "just pay me what you think I'm worth", or "I don't need to pick, just assign me where you need me", or "let me know how much vacation you think I deserve and when I should take it"? No, not a single one. They were just making excuses. If you're reading this and you haven't paid your dues, what's your excuse?Don't believe the person who says they don't get involved because it won't make any difference. Whether you attend union meetings, do safety inspections, come out for rallies, become a steward or, most important, work with your co-workers to correct problems on the job, you'll be making a difference.Don't accept excuses from those who don't vote. The 2005 contract was initially rejected by 7 votes. In 2006, the race for Local 100 VP from Car Equipment was rerun because the first vote ended in a tie. The 2008 Senate race in Minnesota was decided by about 250 votes. There is no excuse for working under unsafe conditions. Anyone who points out an unsafe condition makes a difference. Everyone who backs that person up makes a difference.
4. Those who argue that it won't make any difference if they get involved have gotten a lot of reinforcement from the Toussaint administration. By ignoring the decision of the members to reject the 2005 contract, altering the election rules, removing elected officers and stewards on trumped charges, refusing to allow the members to elect replacements to vacant VP spots, refusing to report fully on the progress of contract talks, and sending the contract to binding arbitration, Toussaint and his supporters on the Executive Board have severely damaged the commitment of members to the union and their willingness to get involved.We need to become a union run by its rank and file members. Any measures that move us away from that goal should be rejected. We want officers who will seek out measures that will bring us closer to that goal.The current Board can't undo the decision to ignore the contract vote in 2006, but they can make sure that the election rules in 2009 guarantee that officers are elected with the support of a majority of the voters. They can take steps to make sure the members vote on any new contract and to remove Toussaint from office if he refuses to comply with their decisions.The Board can restore elected officers to the duties they were elected to perform. And they can broaden the choices that will be available to the members at election time. A few officers who were late making a dues payment were not only removed from their office, they are barred from running for office for three years. The excuse given was that officers have to set an example. But no member who refused to pay dues did so because some officer was a week or two late with their dues. The removal of these officers was motivated by partisan maneuvering and does not serve the interest of the membership. The Executive Board should restore the right to run to those officers who are currently denied it. In addition, the Board should request a waiver from the national union to enable all members in good standing to run for office. The loss of dues check-off was an exceptional event that was not contemplated when the union's constitution was drafted. Someone who is in good-standing, but whose payments were late once or twice should not be treated the same as someone who refused to pay dues. The unintended consequence of this rule is to bar the overwhelming majority of members of the Local from being able to run for office. That does not serve the interest of increasing membership involvement in, and rank and file control over, the union. Or, instead of holding the union election in June, the Board could vote to return the union election to the end of the year. This would greatly increase the number of members eligible to run, it would ensure that the election doesn't take place before the arbitrator's award is issued, and it would avoid the absurd situation of waiting 6 months after the voting to count the ballots.
5. In the union's relationship with management, there are no "win-win" outcomes. The MTA, the governor, and the mayor all want us to work harder and get less in wages and/or benefits. They want new hires to work longer before they can collect a pension. The union's objectives should be that we get more in wages and benefits and work at a pace that will enable us to survive the job and collect our pensions for years and years. Our objectives are incompatible with our bosses'. Early last year, Toussaint welcomed the kinder, gentler approach of the new MTA head. He endorsed the MTA's "workforce development" plans. Similar schemes have unfolded in the private sector. It's clear that they are just sugar-coating the same old push for productivity and speed-up. We need to reject all talk about "partnership" between workers and management. We do not have any goals in common with our bosses.
6. There are no quick fixes. There are no shortcuts. Electing union officers who support this approach will help, but members must make it happen with or without them. Building rank and file power on the job and in our union will not solve all of our problems. But it's hard to see how our problems will be solved without it. And it is the only way to make sure that we hold onto the gains we make. If any of this makes sense to you and you're ready to start making it happen, or if you just want to get a deeper understanding of the suggestions I've made, please get in touch.-- Steve DownsChair, T/O Division of TWU 100
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Friday, August 1, 2008
When Silence is not Golden- Join us on August 13th
The GHI /HIP PRIVATIZATION HEALTH CARE PROPOSAL Will Increase Costs and Reduce Health Care Benefits of Transit Workers.
Therefore it is time for the MTA and TWU leaders to break their silence and join the movement to stop the privatization of GHI/HIP.
With the GHI/HIP merger now complete, the newly formed Corporation has sent a new proposal to change their status from a non-profit to a for-profit corporation. Much is still unknown about the merger, as GHI/HIP are still operating independently right now, but if this next and final step of a conversion is allowed to go though, history tells us it will not be good for workers.
The conversion of GHI/HIP will undoubtedly lead to higher premiums and higher co-pays. Workers wages will also either be cut or greatly reduced to cover rapidly raising health care costs. For transit workers, there is the added burden of the 1.5+%. with no cap, which will also undoubtly go up at a much faster rate. There will most likely be a ranking of subscribers as too risky; factors which can be extremely problematic for retires and members with pre-existing medical conditions.
Claims and care will be more frequently denied as profit for shareholders and not care by doctors and medical providers will be the priority of a for-profit company. The salaries of the CEO’s of HIP have already begun to skyrocket and GHI's CEOs are sure to follow suit soon. History also shows us that the work forces of both GHI and HIP will be downsized as part of the conversion to a for profit corporation.
The conversion of GHI/HIP to a for-profit company is just a signature away, yet all we hear is silence from both the leadership of TWU local 100 and the MTA.
The plan to covert non-profit healthcare into for profit has become common place around the country, but the speed and secrecy which was attempted to privitize GHI/HIP has been unique. There have been no impact studies and only two public hearings held back in January 2008 on the GHI/HIP conversion. The privatization of GHI/HIP which will affect over four million people and over 90% of the municipal work force in NYC now rests in one man's hands, Eric Dinallo, the NY State Superintendent of Insurance. Therefore the only thing standing in the way of the deal to make GHI/HIP a public company is Mr. Dinallo -- and the Coalition Against Privatization (CAP).
CAP was formed in Feburary 2008 by Marvin Holland (TWU-Stations), John Powers (UFT) and William Wharton. In just six just months CAP has become a movement though a series of rallies and public demonstrations, the last one on July 30. We are now calling on all the progressive forces in health care reform movement, along with transit workers to come out to the MTA Public Hearing on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2008 at 347 Madison Avenue (44th and 45th) in Manhattan at 4:30PM and speak out against the privization of GHI/HIP.
We think the perfect time to educate working class people about the GHI/HIP conversion is at a MTA public hearing on the Capital Budget. The MTA cannot have it both ways -- on the one hand they blame the health care cost of workers for fare hikes, but will remain silent on the conversion of GHI/HIP. We also think it is time for TWU Local 100 President Roger Toussaint to break his long silence on the GHI/HIP merger and now conversion. Mr. Toussaint is highly accountable as he sits on the GHI board which means he would have had to vote on both the merger and now conversion but has been mute on this subject. Like the MTA, Mr. Toussaint cannot have it both ways; on the one hand he attacks the McCain-Bush republican health care plans to undermine existing employer-based health care. But remains silent on his own involvement in this which will lower health care standards for his own members.
In addition we call on all elected officials in the State from the Governor to the NY City council to take a closer look at this conversion. and call for open public hearings all over the state. If GHI/HIP is allowed to become a for profit company it has the potential to very easy break the city and state budgets. CAP is calling for all community activists, union members, students and everyone who believes health care is a human right to join us on Wednesday August 13th 2008 at the MTA building.
Therefore it is time for the MTA and TWU leaders to break their silence and join the movement to stop the privatization of GHI/HIP.
With the GHI/HIP merger now complete, the newly formed Corporation has sent a new proposal to change their status from a non-profit to a for-profit corporation. Much is still unknown about the merger, as GHI/HIP are still operating independently right now, but if this next and final step of a conversion is allowed to go though, history tells us it will not be good for workers.
The conversion of GHI/HIP will undoubtedly lead to higher premiums and higher co-pays. Workers wages will also either be cut or greatly reduced to cover rapidly raising health care costs. For transit workers, there is the added burden of the 1.5+%. with no cap, which will also undoubtly go up at a much faster rate. There will most likely be a ranking of subscribers as too risky; factors which can be extremely problematic for retires and members with pre-existing medical conditions.
Claims and care will be more frequently denied as profit for shareholders and not care by doctors and medical providers will be the priority of a for-profit company. The salaries of the CEO’s of HIP have already begun to skyrocket and GHI's CEOs are sure to follow suit soon. History also shows us that the work forces of both GHI and HIP will be downsized as part of the conversion to a for profit corporation.
The conversion of GHI/HIP to a for-profit company is just a signature away, yet all we hear is silence from both the leadership of TWU local 100 and the MTA.
The plan to covert non-profit healthcare into for profit has become common place around the country, but the speed and secrecy which was attempted to privitize GHI/HIP has been unique. There have been no impact studies and only two public hearings held back in January 2008 on the GHI/HIP conversion. The privatization of GHI/HIP which will affect over four million people and over 90% of the municipal work force in NYC now rests in one man's hands, Eric Dinallo, the NY State Superintendent of Insurance. Therefore the only thing standing in the way of the deal to make GHI/HIP a public company is Mr. Dinallo -- and the Coalition Against Privatization (CAP).
CAP was formed in Feburary 2008 by Marvin Holland (TWU-Stations), John Powers (UFT) and William Wharton. In just six just months CAP has become a movement though a series of rallies and public demonstrations, the last one on July 30. We are now calling on all the progressive forces in health care reform movement, along with transit workers to come out to the MTA Public Hearing on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2008 at 347 Madison Avenue (44th and 45th) in Manhattan at 4:30PM and speak out against the privization of GHI/HIP.
We think the perfect time to educate working class people about the GHI/HIP conversion is at a MTA public hearing on the Capital Budget. The MTA cannot have it both ways -- on the one hand they blame the health care cost of workers for fare hikes, but will remain silent on the conversion of GHI/HIP. We also think it is time for TWU Local 100 President Roger Toussaint to break his long silence on the GHI/HIP merger and now conversion. Mr. Toussaint is highly accountable as he sits on the GHI board which means he would have had to vote on both the merger and now conversion but has been mute on this subject. Like the MTA, Mr. Toussaint cannot have it both ways; on the one hand he attacks the McCain-Bush republican health care plans to undermine existing employer-based health care. But remains silent on his own involvement in this which will lower health care standards for his own members.
In addition we call on all elected officials in the State from the Governor to the NY City council to take a closer look at this conversion. and call for open public hearings all over the state. If GHI/HIP is allowed to become a for profit company it has the potential to very easy break the city and state budgets. CAP is calling for all community activists, union members, students and everyone who believes health care is a human right to join us on Wednesday August 13th 2008 at the MTA building.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Healthy, Wealthy and Wise Returns to Harlem Wednesday July 23rd
This Wednesday July 23rd the Healthy,Wealthy and Wise Seminar returns to Harlem with two sessions one in the morning from 9:00AM to noon and an evening session from 4:00PM to 7:00PM.Both sessions will take place at the St Thomas Liberal Catholic Church located at :
147 west 144street take 3 train to 145 st. or by bus M10
Among the guest speakers will be Norman Rosenfeld the retired Deputy Director at NYCERS.Mr Rosenfeld is one of the for most experts on the TWU local 100 NYCERS pension plan.Anyone thinking about retiring in the next few years or if you just want to learn more about the NYCERS pension plan should not miss this free seminar.In addition to Mr. Rosenfeld we will also have Chris Arceneaux V.P. from First Republic Bank and an expert in credit repair and an executive mortgage consultant.Anyone who wants to improve their credit score or is looking to purchase a home should also attend this free financial seminar.At the healthy ,wealthy and wise seminars there are always surprise guests,free giveaways and refreshments served, so come out to Harlem this Wednesday July 23rd and join your brothers and sisters who are getting there assets in order.
To RSVP by E-mail - seminars@homestationonline.org or via phone (212)631-5857 anytime day or night 24 hours automated reservation system
147 west 144street take 3 train to 145 st. or by bus M10
Among the guest speakers will be Norman Rosenfeld the retired Deputy Director at NYCERS.Mr Rosenfeld is one of the for most experts on the TWU local 100 NYCERS pension plan.Anyone thinking about retiring in the next few years or if you just want to learn more about the NYCERS pension plan should not miss this free seminar.In addition to Mr. Rosenfeld we will also have Chris Arceneaux V.P. from First Republic Bank and an expert in credit repair and an executive mortgage consultant.Anyone who wants to improve their credit score or is looking to purchase a home should also attend this free financial seminar.At the healthy ,wealthy and wise seminars there are always surprise guests,free giveaways and refreshments served, so come out to Harlem this Wednesday July 23rd and join your brothers and sisters who are getting there assets in order.
To RSVP by E-mail - seminars@homestationonline.org or via phone (212)631-5857 anytime day or night 24 hours automated reservation system
Friday, July 18, 2008
Update on GHI/HIP merger and conversion
The latest person to show serious concern about the GHI/HIP conversion is senator Tom Duane here is his letter :
Dear Superintendent Dinallo:
With the 2008 Legislative Session behind us, I understand the New York State Insurance Department will be continuing its consideration of the proposed conversion of GHI/HIP to the for-profit entity EmblemHealth, Inc. I am deeply concerned about the impact this conversion would have on many of my constituents and GHI/HIP members throughout New York State.
As you know, NY Insurance Law §7317(b) prohibits such a change in the status of not-for-profit health insurance entities to a for-profit company if the move would "adversely affect the applicant's contractholders or members," or "negatively impact on the delivery of health care benefits and services to the people of the state of New York." I believe that this conversion will both negatively impact the provision of health care services to the people of New York, and, more specifically, will adversely affect those individuals who are currently enrolled in GHI and HIP's health plans.
All other states considering such conversions within the past five years &ndash Kansas, Washington, North Carolina, and Maryland &ndash have rejected these plans. As with all other for-profit corporations, the foundational legal obligation of EmblemHealth will be to maximize profits for its shareholders. The pursuit of profit will therefore be the company's premiere priority, surpassing the provision of quality health care services to its members as the company's primary goal. This will inevitably lead to higher prices for health care consumers and the cutting of corners with respect to the quality of health care services. If EmblemHealth raises its rates, its competitors are likely to do so as well, and all New Yorkers will suffer. A number of studies have shown that for-profit health insurance companies provide poorer quality health services and have lower rates of customer satisfaction than not-for-profit health care providers.
Currently, both GHI and HIP are financially viable and provide quality health care services to New Yorkers. There is absolutely no reason to permit a conversion to not-for-profit status, particularly when for-profit health care providers have been proven to be worse for New Yorkers than not-for-profits. Comprehensive, quality, healthcare for all New Yorkers must be the primary goal of health care providers &ndash not the acquisition of profit. For all these reasons, I strongly oppose the conversion of GHI and HIP to the for-profit EmblemHealth.
Thank you very much for your consideration of my position on this important matter.
Sincerely, Thomas K. DuaneNew York State Senate29th District
Dear Superintendent Dinallo:
With the 2008 Legislative Session behind us, I understand the New York State Insurance Department will be continuing its consideration of the proposed conversion of GHI/HIP to the for-profit entity EmblemHealth, Inc. I am deeply concerned about the impact this conversion would have on many of my constituents and GHI/HIP members throughout New York State.
As you know, NY Insurance Law §7317(b) prohibits such a change in the status of not-for-profit health insurance entities to a for-profit company if the move would "adversely affect the applicant's contractholders or members," or "negatively impact on the delivery of health care benefits and services to the people of the state of New York." I believe that this conversion will both negatively impact the provision of health care services to the people of New York, and, more specifically, will adversely affect those individuals who are currently enrolled in GHI and HIP's health plans.
All other states considering such conversions within the past five years &ndash Kansas, Washington, North Carolina, and Maryland &ndash have rejected these plans. As with all other for-profit corporations, the foundational legal obligation of EmblemHealth will be to maximize profits for its shareholders. The pursuit of profit will therefore be the company's premiere priority, surpassing the provision of quality health care services to its members as the company's primary goal. This will inevitably lead to higher prices for health care consumers and the cutting of corners with respect to the quality of health care services. If EmblemHealth raises its rates, its competitors are likely to do so as well, and all New Yorkers will suffer. A number of studies have shown that for-profit health insurance companies provide poorer quality health services and have lower rates of customer satisfaction than not-for-profit health care providers.
Currently, both GHI and HIP are financially viable and provide quality health care services to New Yorkers. There is absolutely no reason to permit a conversion to not-for-profit status, particularly when for-profit health care providers have been proven to be worse for New Yorkers than not-for-profits. Comprehensive, quality, healthcare for all New Yorkers must be the primary goal of health care providers &ndash not the acquisition of profit. For all these reasons, I strongly oppose the conversion of GHI and HIP to the for-profit EmblemHealth.
Thank you very much for your consideration of my position on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Thomas K. DuaneNew York State Senate29th District
Dear Superintendent Dinallo:
With the 2008 Legislative Session behind us, I understand the New York State Insurance Department will be continuing its consideration of the proposed conversion of GHI/HIP to the for-profit entity EmblemHealth, Inc. I am deeply concerned about the impact this conversion would have on many of my constituents and GHI/HIP members throughout New York State.
As you know, NY Insurance Law §7317(b) prohibits such a change in the status of not-for-profit health insurance entities to a for-profit company if the move would "adversely affect the applicant's contractholders or members," or "negatively impact on the delivery of health care benefits and services to the people of the state of New York." I believe that this conversion will both negatively impact the provision of health care services to the people of New York, and, more specifically, will adversely affect those individuals who are currently enrolled in GHI and HIP's health plans.
All other states considering such conversions within the past five years &ndash Kansas, Washington, North Carolina, and Maryland &ndash have rejected these plans. As with all other for-profit corporations, the foundational legal obligation of EmblemHealth will be to maximize profits for its shareholders. The pursuit of profit will therefore be the company's premiere priority, surpassing the provision of quality health care services to its members as the company's primary goal. This will inevitably lead to higher prices for health care consumers and the cutting of corners with respect to the quality of health care services. If EmblemHealth raises its rates, its competitors are likely to do so as well, and all New Yorkers will suffer. A number of studies have shown that for-profit health insurance companies provide poorer quality health services and have lower rates of customer satisfaction than not-for-profit health care providers.
Currently, both GHI and HIP are financially viable and provide quality health care services to New Yorkers. There is absolutely no reason to permit a conversion to not-for-profit status, particularly when for-profit health care providers have been proven to be worse for New Yorkers than not-for-profits. Comprehensive, quality, healthcare for all New Yorkers must be the primary goal of health care providers &ndash not the acquisition of profit. For all these reasons, I strongly oppose the conversion of GHI and HIP to the for-profit EmblemHealth.
Thank you very much for your consideration of my position on this important matter.
Sincerely, Thomas K. DuaneNew York State Senate29th District
Dear Superintendent Dinallo:
With the 2008 Legislative Session behind us, I understand the New York State Insurance Department will be continuing its consideration of the proposed conversion of GHI/HIP to the for-profit entity EmblemHealth, Inc. I am deeply concerned about the impact this conversion would have on many of my constituents and GHI/HIP members throughout New York State.
As you know, NY Insurance Law §7317(b) prohibits such a change in the status of not-for-profit health insurance entities to a for-profit company if the move would "adversely affect the applicant's contractholders or members," or "negatively impact on the delivery of health care benefits and services to the people of the state of New York." I believe that this conversion will both negatively impact the provision of health care services to the people of New York, and, more specifically, will adversely affect those individuals who are currently enrolled in GHI and HIP's health plans.
All other states considering such conversions within the past five years &ndash Kansas, Washington, North Carolina, and Maryland &ndash have rejected these plans. As with all other for-profit corporations, the foundational legal obligation of EmblemHealth will be to maximize profits for its shareholders. The pursuit of profit will therefore be the company's premiere priority, surpassing the provision of quality health care services to its members as the company's primary goal. This will inevitably lead to higher prices for health care consumers and the cutting of corners with respect to the quality of health care services. If EmblemHealth raises its rates, its competitors are likely to do so as well, and all New Yorkers will suffer. A number of studies have shown that for-profit health insurance companies provide poorer quality health services and have lower rates of customer satisfaction than not-for-profit health care providers.
Currently, both GHI and HIP are financially viable and provide quality health care services to New Yorkers. There is absolutely no reason to permit a conversion to not-for-profit status, particularly when for-profit health care providers have been proven to be worse for New Yorkers than not-for-profits. Comprehensive, quality, healthcare for all New Yorkers must be the primary goal of health care providers &ndash not the acquisition of profit. For all these reasons, I strongly oppose the conversion of GHI and HIP to the for-profit EmblemHealth.
Thank you very much for your consideration of my position on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Thomas K. DuaneNew York State Senate29th District
Monday, July 14, 2008
Marty Goodman Leads Charge to Cool Off Moblie Wash Rooms
In two weeks Marty Goodman did what the union could not for over a decade -- he got air conditioning for the Mobile Wash room at West 4th street.
Mr. Goodman, a three time executive board member of TWU Local 100 went directly to Howard Roberts, the President of the Transit Authority and made it clear that cleaners in Stations need and deserve air conditioning now in the summer.
After going through the very bureaucratic T.A. chain of command, Mr.Goodman said enough and on June 23rd, sent a letter directly to Mr. Roberts about the inhumane working conditions at West 4th street. As of this past weekend, a temporary AC has already been put in at the Mobile Wash room at West 4th St.
But this is not just about West 4th Street; you can go into any Mobile Wash room and you will see many rooms without basic amenities such as AC.
That is why, following several meetings with the members at West 4th Street an informational picket has been scheduled for 8:00 am this Wednesday, July 16th at 2 Broadway at the T.A. headquarters. We will picket until we get A/C in all Mobile Wash rooms.
But that is just a start: we will not stop our Take Back Our Union action approach in Stations until both the T.A. and the union stop treating us like second class employees and members. As the members of Stations prepare to take back our union, this victory for cleaners in Stations is the first step on a long road to dignity and respect.
Mr. Goodman, a three time executive board member of TWU Local 100 went directly to Howard Roberts, the President of the Transit Authority and made it clear that cleaners in Stations need and deserve air conditioning now in the summer.
After going through the very bureaucratic T.A. chain of command, Mr.Goodman said enough and on June 23rd, sent a letter directly to Mr. Roberts about the inhumane working conditions at West 4th street. As of this past weekend, a temporary AC has already been put in at the Mobile Wash room at West 4th St.
But this is not just about West 4th Street; you can go into any Mobile Wash room and you will see many rooms without basic amenities such as AC.
That is why, following several meetings with the members at West 4th Street an informational picket has been scheduled for 8:00 am this Wednesday, July 16th at 2 Broadway at the T.A. headquarters. We will picket until we get A/C in all Mobile Wash rooms.
But that is just a start: we will not stop our Take Back Our Union action approach in Stations until both the T.A. and the union stop treating us like second class employees and members. As the members of Stations prepare to take back our union, this victory for cleaners in Stations is the first step on a long road to dignity and respect.
Is Democracy Dead in TWU Local 100?
With the passing of the recent By-law amendments many feel that true Union Democracy is dead in Local 100. But if you carefully look at it, the Bylaw changes main function is to solidify the position of those already in power. While it does limit the members choices in things like conventions etc, it does not kill democracy in Local 100. It merely changes the playing field.
These Bylaw changes make Union-wide elections even more important than they once were. As it stands, the only way to really effect change in Local 100 is voting in Union-wide elections. If you don't like the job your Union reps are doing: vote them out. If you think they all stink: clean house.
In turn this makes being up to date on your Union dues crucial.
In order to vote, you must be paid up. In order to run for office you must be paid up for 12 months. If you are paid up, both back dues and current dues, you can shape the direction of the Union. Want better reps? Better contracts? Want to vote on the contract? Pay your Union dues.
Having some extra pocket change each month is great, but protecting your pension, your job and having a say in your next contract is even better.
These Bylaw changes make Union-wide elections even more important than they once were. As it stands, the only way to really effect change in Local 100 is voting in Union-wide elections. If you don't like the job your Union reps are doing: vote them out. If you think they all stink: clean house.
In turn this makes being up to date on your Union dues crucial.
In order to vote, you must be paid up. In order to run for office you must be paid up for 12 months. If you are paid up, both back dues and current dues, you can shape the direction of the Union. Want better reps? Better contracts? Want to vote on the contract? Pay your Union dues.
Having some extra pocket change each month is great, but protecting your pension, your job and having a say in your next contract is even better.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
The Healthy,Wealthy and Wise Seminars Series Returns Wednesday July 9th
The Healthy,Wealthy and Wise seminar series returns Wednesday July 9th with both an A.M. and a P.M. session. The free workshops are designed specifically to help transit workers get their finances in order and to better prepare them for retirement. In these changing times of rising expenses, it is never to early to prepare for retirement. Thinking about buying a home, but think you cannot afford it? Don't know what type of life insurance is best for you and your family?Want to know about inside secrets on how to repair your credit? These are just some of the questions that you can have answered absolutely free of charge this summer on Wednesdays.
For those of you not familiar with this series, they are an ongoing series of workshops focusing on helping transit workers reach their individual health, finance and educational goals. The seminars were started by a small group of station members who were each experiencing their own financial challenges and hardships. We first approached the union with the idea of holding financial seminars at the union hall, and were told the union did not have the time or the resources to do these type of forums. We felt this information was so important and powerful we pooled what little resources we had and the Healthy, Wealthy and Wise seminar series was born.
Initially the main focus of these seminars had been finance; recently we have begun to hold seminars on health and wellness, including weight loss. We have also held joint educational forums with the UFT on the GHI/HIP merger, and will soon be covering our workers compensation and safety forums.
But don't take my word on the Healthy, Wealthy and Wise forums; listen to what your co-workers have to say about the workshops. Or better yet, take time out one Wednesday this summer to get your assets in order. These seminars will focus on the topic of finance every other Wednesday though out the summer, so don't be left out - come experience what every one in transit is talking about, and and get your assets in order. Transit workers have no excuse this summer not to get their financial house in order as Healthy Wealthy and Wise will be coming to all five boroughs, beginning Wednesday July 9th, at the Afrikan Poetry Theatre in Jamaica Queens, located at 176-03 Jamaica Avenue.
For those of you not familiar with this series, they are an ongoing series of workshops focusing on helping transit workers reach their individual health, finance and educational goals. The seminars were started by a small group of station members who were each experiencing their own financial challenges and hardships. We first approached the union with the idea of holding financial seminars at the union hall, and were told the union did not have the time or the resources to do these type of forums. We felt this information was so important and powerful we pooled what little resources we had and the Healthy, Wealthy and Wise seminar series was born.
Initially the main focus of these seminars had been finance; recently we have begun to hold seminars on health and wellness, including weight loss. We have also held joint educational forums with the UFT on the GHI/HIP merger, and will soon be covering our workers compensation and safety forums.
But don't take my word on the Healthy, Wealthy and Wise forums; listen to what your co-workers have to say about the workshops. Or better yet, take time out one Wednesday this summer to get your assets in order. These seminars will focus on the topic of finance every other Wednesday though out the summer, so don't be left out - come experience what every one in transit is talking about, and and get your assets in order. Transit workers have no excuse this summer not to get their financial house in order as Healthy Wealthy and Wise will be coming to all five boroughs, beginning Wednesday July 9th, at the Afrikan Poetry Theatre in Jamaica Queens, located at 176-03 Jamaica Avenue.
Vote No to By - Law Changes from Richard Rivera -CED
Executive Board Member -Tony Guishard says:
Screw the members; let them make their dues payments on their own like the rest of us.
Why should the shop committee help them out by collecting checks and forwarding the payments to the Union Hall?
Why would he say this?
Because him, Toussaint and Nelson Rivera don’t want you to pay your dues. They don’t want you to have a voice, vote and an opinion.
He even went as far to say that “allowing the members to vote on the by-law changes is just a courtesy. The E-Board should be making the decision alone, without the members input”.
PAY YOUR DUES SO YOU CAN VOTE!
THE BY-LAW CHANGES ARE A SCAM! VOTE NO
and help to Take Back Our Union from the Scam Artists. Tell ‘em to keep the dog tags
FYI from Richard Rivera Shop Steward Car Repair
Member in Good Standing
Screw the members; let them make their dues payments on their own like the rest of us.
Why should the shop committee help them out by collecting checks and forwarding the payments to the Union Hall?
Why would he say this?
Because him, Toussaint and Nelson Rivera don’t want you to pay your dues. They don’t want you to have a voice, vote and an opinion.
He even went as far to say that “allowing the members to vote on the by-law changes is just a courtesy. The E-Board should be making the decision alone, without the members input”.
PAY YOUR DUES SO YOU CAN VOTE!
THE BY-LAW CHANGES ARE A SCAM! VOTE NO
and help to Take Back Our Union from the Scam Artists. Tell ‘em to keep the dog tags
FYI from Richard Rivera Shop Steward Car Repair
Member in Good Standing
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