Woman Accused of Hate-Crime Murder in Subway Push By MARC SANTORA NY Times

Woman Accused of Hate-Crime Murder in Subway Push By MARC SANTORA A 31-year-old woman was arrested on Saturday and charged with second-degree murder as a hate crime in connection with the death of a man who was pushed onto the tracks of an elevated subway station in Queens and crushed by an oncoming train. The woman, Erika Menendez, selected her victim because she believed him to be a Muslim or a Hindu, Richard A. Brown, the Queens district attorney, said. “The defendant is accused of committing what is every subway commuter’s nightmare: Being suddenly and senselessly pushed into the path of an oncoming train,” Mr. Brown said in an interview. In a statement, Mr. Brown quoted Ms. Menendez, “in sum and substance,” as having told the police: “I pushed a Muslim off the train tracks because I hate Hindus and Muslims ever since 2001 when they put down the twin towers I’ve been beating them up.” Ms. Menendez conflated the Muslim and Hindu faiths in her comments to the police and in her target for attack, officials said. The victim, Sunando Sen, was born in India and, according to a roommate, was raised Hindu. Mr. Sen “was allegedly shoved from behind and had no chance to defend himself,” Mr. Brown said. “Beyond that, the hateful remarks allegedly made by the defendant and which precipitated the defendant’s actions should never be tolerated by a civilized society.” Mr. Brown said he had no information on the defendant’s criminal or mental history. “It will be up to the court to determine if she is fit to stand trial,” he said. Ms. Menendez is expected to be arraigned by Sunday morning. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. By charging her with murder as a hate crime, the possible minimum sentence she faced would be extended to 20 years from 15 years, according to prosecutors. On Saturday night, Ms. Menendez, wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt, was escorted from the 112th Precinct to a waiting car by three detectives. Greeted by camera flashes and dozens of reporters, she let out a loud, unintelligible moan. She did not respond to reporters’ questions. The attack occurred around 8 p.m. on Thursday at the 40th Street-Lowery Street station in Sunnyside. Mr. Sen, 46, was looking out over the tracks when a woman approached him from behind and shoved him onto the tracks, according to the police. Mr. Sen never saw her, the police said. The woman fled the station, running down two flights of stairs and down the street. By the next morning, a brief and grainy black-and-white video of the woman who the police said was behind the attack was being broadcast on news programs. Patrol officers picked up Ms. Menendez early Saturday after someone who had seen the video on television spotted her on a Brooklyn street and called 911, said Paul J. Browne, the chief spokesman for the Police Department. She was taken to Queens and later placed in lineups, according to detectives. Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said on Friday that, according to witnesses’ accounts, there had been no contact on the subway platform between the attacker and the victim before the shove. The case was the second this month involving someone being pushed to death in a train station. In the first case, Ki-Suck Han, 58, of Elmhurst, Queens, died under the Q train at the 49th Street and Seventh Avenue station on Dec. 3. Naeem Davis, 30, was charged with second-degree murder in that case. Mr. Sen, after years of saving money, had opened a small copying business on the Upper West Side this year. Ar Suman, a Muslim, and one of three roommates who shared a small first-floor apartment with Mr. Sen in Elmhurst, said he and Mr. Sen often discussed religion. Though they were of different faiths, Mr. Suman said, he admired the respect that Mr. Sen showed for those who saw the world differently than he did. Mr. Suman said he once asked Mr. Sen why he was not more active in his faith and it resulted in a long philosophical discussion. “He was so gentle,” Mr. Suman said. “He said in this world a lot of people are dying, killing over religious things.” ■ Reporting was contributed by William K. Rashbaum, Wendy Ruderman, Jeffrey E. Singer and Julie Turkewitz. Susan C. Beachy contributed research. PUBLISHED DECEMBER 29, 2012 http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/30/nyregion/woman-is-held-in-death-of-man-pushed-onto-subway-tracks-in-queens.html

MTA Money Scandals

The MTA, which never seems to have enough money, is paying handsome salaries to two chief operating officers, one of whom hasn’t worked there since May. The agency is paying current COO Nuria Fernandez $270,750 a year. And it’s also paying Charles Monheim $285,000 a year. Where’s Monheim? He couldn’t be located last week. He might be relaxing on a tropical beach, skiing in the Alps, or sipping a salted caramel hot chocolate at an upper West Side Starbucks. Julia Xanthos / New York Daily News Nuria Fernandez, the current MTA COO, is earning $270,750 a year. How did this happen? It all goes back to October 2011, when then-MTA Chairman Jay Walder left to run a conglomerate in Hong Kong. After an exhaustive international search, Gov. Cuomo decided the best person to be the next chairman happened to be right in midtown: Madison Square Garden executive Joseph Lhota. A press release announcing Lhota’s appointment mentioned as an aside that Fernandez would be Lhota’s second-in-command. Lhota wasn’t consulted about the chief operating officer position, then occupied by Monheim, according to current and former transit officials familiar with the situation. Monheim didn’t make any waves about his demotion, at least not publicly. That’s because he had a nifty provision in his contract that gave him a year’s salary if the MTA shifted him to another job title and he left the organization, according to the current and former officials. He stuck around until May and will continue getting pay checks for another five months. Spokesmen for Cuomo didn’t answer questions regarding the managerial moves. None of this is a knock on Monheim, who is a highly regarded transit executive with decades of experience around the world. Nor is it a knock on Fernandez, a former commissioner of Chicago’s airport authority who has worked at transit agencies in Chicago and Washington. The MTA may be leaner than ever. Walder and Lhota cut a combined $900 million in annual expenses. But it’s still an authority where at times, you can still get one working executive for the price of two.

Back Dues Claim Against Supervisors

Back Dues Claims Against Supervisors Are Court-Ordered   December 26, 2012 Judge Rules Supervisors Must Pay Back Dues Owed to TWU Local 100 In September, TWU Local 100 began filing in Small Claims Court to collect back dues from former members who took promotions to supervision.  The first hearings were on December 20 and the judge ruled in TWU 100's favor.  He awarded the Union the full amount each person owed, plus he ordered the three supervisors involved to pay interest and court costs.   With these first hearings concluded, and the validity of the Union's claim confirmed, TWU Local 100 will pursue collecting all back dues owed by anyone who went to supervision still owing dues.  Anyone who owes back dues and calls the TWU Local 100 Dues Office (212-873-6000, ext  2080 or 2161) to arrange a payment schedule, can save themselves the interest and court costs that will be imposed if the matter has to go to court.   TWU Local 100 has always maintained that the payment of union dues is a moral obligation for anyone who benefits from the wages, pick rights, health care, and other gains won by the Union over the years.  Now a judge has ruled that it's a legal obligation, too.

HAPPY HOIDAYS

This holiday season has made me reflect on a lot of things including family and friends. Oh how blessed we are to have such interactions. As a Transit worker, we all can relate to the insensitivity of the careers we have chosen when it comes to spending time with loved ones.  To my co-workers whom I abraded, I am truly sorry. To my friends whom I consider family  it's been a long time and I miss y'all.  To everybody Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Happy Kwanza.  Happy New years.

Week In Review October 27th to November 3rd 2012

Week In Review October 27th to November 3rd 2012 Saturday October 27th was the MaBstoa Div1 Dinner Dance which turned out to be an elegant affair. Tracey Young and Reinaldo Rios were honored for their continued commitment to the members of their respected Depots, but the real honorees of the night were the men and women who retired and did their time paving the way for the rest of us. Richard Davis Manhattan Division Chair MC'd the event while the party goers had a nice time on the dance floor.  To all members who donated or participated in the dance, thanking you is an understatement! But thank you anyway. MaBstoa Div 1 Hurricane Sandy The events that have occurred crippled the tristate area to degrees normally unknown to New Yorkers. The Transit system throughout the region was crippled and flooded in many areas.  Richard Davis managed to handle problems as they occurred while maintaining safety. News was available as things started to unfold, so that their wasn't any confusion on what actions should be taken.  As much as the MTA takes us for granted, once again we have shown the powers that be why we are a very necessary workforce.  We are aware that there will be problems with pay and some discipline, and tend to deal with all on a case by case basis, even grieving where no resolution exists.   Consolidated Pick Resumes this Monday  November 5th 2012 Stay Tuned!

Week In Review

Week In Review  October 22, Thru October 27 2012 Monday and Tuesday the crossover portion of the pick commenced And finished without incident. Consolidated pick began on Thursday, but not without incident. Last year when the kiosk computer system was first introduced, the TWU and Management agreed to provide a body designated by the Union to teach the other picking members how to use the kiosk.  Eddie Melendez acting Chief Transportation Officer made an arrangement with the Union to follow the same pattern as years past, but welched on the handshake agreement the next morning (Tuesday). A meeting was called between TAS Vice President Stephen Thomas Division Chairs Frank Austin and Richard Davis, Vice Chairs Donald Yates and Tony Aiken with Eddie Melendez to see if the issues could be resolved, which ultimately couldn't, because management was hellbent on the cost savings factor, so Richard Davis and Frank Austin informed management that once the consolidated pick started, MABstoa TWU would stop the pick for violations of the kiosk agreement from last year. October 24th 2012 the MaBstoa coalition (Richard Davis, Frank Austin and Donald Yates) met with CTO Eddie Melendez and VP Steve Videl  and ironed out a deal acceptable to the MaBstoa TWU which also benefitted TA Surface as the deal was better than originally worked out with the Brooklyn Division concerning the Kiosk. The agreement consist of release time at run pay for operators teaching the system to others. The agreement is for this year only as we have to revisit the topic at a later date. Bronx Division Nominations took place October 24th 2012. Good luck to all candidates, and congratulations to Frank Austin who went unopposed and is reelected automatically.   

Week In Review

Week in Review October 15th thru the 19th As the pick concluded for the incumbents of MaBstoa, there were again many delays which seemed to be the fault of the computer system.  Leaving The Scene Of An Accident There have been many instances where Transit officials accuse Bus Operators of leaving a scene of an accident based on customer allegations. Bus Operators who have collisions or are approached by customers on or off the bus alleging accidents should cover themselves by notifying the command center. The above mentioned holds true for operators who knowingly didn't have an accident, but are accused.  Message From Richard Davis Brothers and Sisters, make sure that you check the UTS regarding holiday pay,as the MaBstoa practice has been corrected based on a grievance filed in December of 2009. All Incumbents of MaBstoa hired prior to December 16, 2002 are required by contract to get paid double your weekday blueprint. The corrected pay will be from 2009 moving forward. Check UTS computers to see if you were paid correctly during that period. If any member of MaBstoa is part of the Brooklyn Division at this time, have the Depot chairs contact me at 212-712-5001 Reminder: Retirees Dinner Dance MaBstoa Div1 Saturday October 27th 2012 504 West 41st St.

Week In Review

Week In Review Second Week of the Pick was a disaster with 2 to 3 hours of delays for at least 3 days this week. Management blames the Union, the Union blames management, but who suffers? The members!  Nominations for Union office and convention delegates took place in MaBstoa Div 1 on Tuesday.  For those involved in the process, good luck! Press Conference For Assaulted Bus Operators Thursday of this week, Members from the press congregated at Kings Bridge Depot to interview Officers and members about the continued assaults, and the lack of managements commitment to reduce it. President Samuelsen led the interviews, while Tony Aiken, Div officer from the Bronx gave an emotional array  of facts regarding Managements mishandling of Assaults!  Shop-Gate Tuskegee  Airmen Depot (100st)  Discussion; Leaving the scene of accidents and the potential for arrests and heavy discipline including dismissal! Open Enrollment for health benefits Starts October 15th  2012 and ending November 26th 2012 TA/OA/MTA-Bus This will allow for healthcare changes. For more info view the locals website at www.twulocal100.org

Week In Review

Week In Review  While at Manhattanville Depot 2 problems popped up which enraged me a great deal 1) Bus Operator who went on comp in 2010 for 2 months went to the IME just recently, the Authority tried to make him go to the Mac when he was done, of course I made a big stink about it, but the Authority couldn't understand why I was bitching. End result Operator stayed in service and didn't go a damn place other than home.   2) AGS at Manhattanville wanted 2 Operators to sign for work place violence memo's, when I refused to let them sign the AGS threatened to take them out of service. I simply said take them out then! As I called his bluff the AGS called  Labor Relations who told him he couldn't take the operators out of service, just simply hand them the policy!  3) SLD came back to work from a period of absence,  B/O welcomed the SLD back to work and SLD took it as a threat and wrote the same. I went to the AGM of the Depot and stressed my concern over the issue and threatened that if they took this Operator out of service over the Dispatchers false allegations there would be serious consequences including the shutting down of this depot! I was assured that all would be ok Pick News Pick started for all incumbents on October 1st 2012, there were a few errors that were caught early on the MaBstoa side, but we're resolved thanks to the TWU pick team  

System Pick OA/TA

Good Morning MaBstoa and TA Surface  The general pick will be kicking off on Monday October 1st 2012 The expected incumbent pick will go from October 1 2012 to October 15th 2012 (TAS October 10th) Crossover Setup October 17th-19th Crossover Pick October 22nd and 23rd Consolidated Pick October 25th Thru November 9  Stay Tuned!

ONCE AGAIN IT'S ELECTION TIME

Brothers and Sisters Once again it's election time. There will be many candidates going around asking for your vote. My advice if it means anything to MaBstoa, is to choose or reelect reps who fight for the interests of the Labor movement. In our line of work experience is the only thing that will keep us strong. Politics in our line of work exists, but make no mistake about it, we all drink from the same cool aid. We all want a stronger Union, we all want the best contracts, we all want a person who will fight the abuser's.  1)'Who is the real fighter and defender of labor? Is it someone new without experience but a willingness to fight the bosses? Only if they come in at the ground floor and learn their craft. 2) Is a College degree necessary to be a rep? I think not, but I do believe that if you feel a degree is necessary, maybe you already think you're better than the members you are serving. 3) Should a rep be familiar with the contract, work rules and some laws? I believe that's a must, and coming in at the ground floor is essential to gradually sharpening those skills. In the upcoming months you will be approached by Inexperience guided by rumors and versions of truths. I have read the fliers, the articles in the papers and the nonsense that perpetrate from the mouths of the insincere. Prosperity may not always take a village, but it sure doesn't take the village idiot. I support the reelection of John Samuelsen! 

How To Check If I Am Receiving The Correct Amount Of Differential

How to check whether I am receiving the correct amount of differential Step 1: Look at one of your paystubs just prior to your Injury on Duty. Look for the amount of gross earnings (say $2400 per two weeks) Look for the amount of taxes paid, this includes federal, state, and local income taxes, social security and medicare (say $800).  This amount will vary depending on your exemptions and family situation. Calculate the percentage taken out of your gross earnings for taxes.  In this case: 30%. Step 2: Calculate how much your gross earnings would be over a 40 hour week. Some people always work 40 hours per week, so for them this would be simply half of their biweekly pay stub (in the example $1200/week) But others regularly work overtime, have built-in overtime, or receive night differentials.  In that case, you simply multiply 40 times your hourly rate just before the date of your injury.  In our example we assume a fictional rate of $30/hour, so the gross earnings over 40 hours would be 40x30=$1200. (Note: if you were injured as the result of an assault, you are eligible for differential over your run pay.  In that case you can skip Step 2&3 and just use the amount of your gross earnings prior to your injury.) Step 3: Calculate your net take home pay over 40 hours Your net take home pay over 40 hours is your gross pay minus taxes.  In the example, you would take 30% of $1200 or $400 out for taxes.  Net take home pay would be $800. Step 4: Check how much comp you were being paid for what period If you were paid comp for a 100% disability, your weekly comp benefit will be $792.07 effective July 1, 2012.  As you will see, in the case of our example, there will only be $8 dollars differential owed.  In many instances, our members are not owed any differential if they receive full comp. However, very often members get comp for only 50% or 20% of the full amount.  The comp amount may also change from time to time.  You need to make a list of all periods and amount of comp received.  In our example, we will assume that the comp benefit was $500 per week throughout the period of disability. Step 5:  Calculate your differential owed. Differential is the difference between what you would take home net over 40 hours minus the comp received.  In our example: $800 (net take home pay) minus comp ($500) equals $300 per week net differential.   However, you need to pay taxes over your differential income.  Therefore, the Authority will “gross up” your net differential for an amount called the “gross differential.”  In our example, we found the member paid 30% of gross income in taxes.  The Authority will use this number to gross up the differential.  In our example, the Authority will pay a gross differential of about $428 and then deduct 30% of that amount for taxes ($128), for a net differential of $300.  (Mind you that we were are working with estimates on taxes owed.  At the end of the year, when you file your tax return, it may turn out you owe less than 30% in combined taxes because your income was lower while you were on comp.) Step 6: Here’s the trick You now expect to receive a differential check for $300 every week (or rather $600 every two weeks), but in all likelihood you will not.  This is because after the Authority has established the differential amount, it will continue to take deductions for other matters just like it does from your regular pay check.   These include: health benefits contribution, pension contribution, union dues, 401(k) contributions, repayment of MCU or NYCERS loans, child support garnishments etc.  As a result, there may not be much differential left as a cash benefit.  Of these, your 401(k) contribution is probably the only deduction you could put a stop on.  All other deductions are mandatory. There really is something wrong with my differential After you have done your calculations and find that there really is a mistake in the amount of differential you receive, you may call Saleh Altaheri of the TA Payroll Department at 646 252 6686.   If that does not resolve the matter, you may contact your union representative to file a grievance.   The grievance should state  that s. 2.7 of the collective bargaining agreement was violated; and that Grievant was not paid the proper amount of differential due (specify the period at issue).

MTA Business Service Center

TWU Local 100 June 22, 2012 When Local 100 found out about the MTA 's plans to move administration of TA/OA paychecks and health benefits to the MTA-wide Business Service Center (BSC), the Union immediately demanded that the Authority bargain about the impact it would have on our members. We are determined to prevent the kind of disruptions that we have experienced when they made changes in the past. When talks were unsuccessful, the Union filed a grievance. Then management started to negotiate seriously. Here are some of the things we objected to and what we have won so far: Originally, the MTA had no plans for members to deal with their benefits in person. The Union has won an agreement for a Walk-in- Center at 180 Livingston St. Originally, the MTA had no plans for family members to be able to get information or resolve problems. The Union has won an agreement for access for spouses and family members. Originally, the MTA had no plans to give members access using their pass or Social Security numbers. The Union has won an agreement that they can use their pass or Social Security numbers. Originally the MTA had no procedures for Union Reps to intervene with BSC managers. The Union has won an agreement to a procedure so Union Reps can go to bat for members. Management wants to change over to the BSC as of July 2, and give members the contact information for the BSC and their ID numbers AFTERWARDS. Compounding the problem, management also wants to move responsibility for writing TA/OA paychecks over to the BSC in mid-July. They have agreed to review with us the testing of the new system. but this hasn't happened yet. What we have been able to see has caused us serious concern. We doubt that they are ready. Local 100 is telling them to wait and do it right. We will be back in arbitration on June 29. The underlying problem In 2002 we gave up our right to co-administer our benefits. Now, we have no direct control. We have to fight like hell to protect our benefits every time management decides to make a change. We may win in the end but the cost is high. And that is just to keep from moving backward. We can't go on like this. We must reestablish direct control over health benefits. In contract negotiations, Local 100 is proposing just that. AFTER THE CHANGEOVER HOW TO PROCEED Health Benefits: If you have problems with your health benefits after the changeover, contact the BSC. If you have problems with the BSC, call the Union's Member Services Department at (347) 643-8062. Paychecks: If you have a problem after the changeover, go to timekeeping. Your timekeeper will not change. If you do not get satisfaction, call your Union Rep. MTA Business Service Center Website: mtabsc.info Hours: 8:30am to 5pm, Mon.-Fri Email: bscservice@mtabsc.org Phone: 646-376-0123 Fax: 212-852-8700 Mail: MTA Business Service Center 333 W. 34th Street, 9th Floor New York, NY 10001 Walk-In Center: 180 Livingston St, Brooklyn, NY

MaBstoa Div1 Retirees Dinner Dance

MaBSTOA DIVISION 1
Transportation
37th Retirement Dinner Dance
Dinner Chairman: Richard Davis
Cordially Invite You to Join Us
Celebrate the Retirement of the Men and Woman
of MaBSTOA
A Special Memorialization Posthumously
honoring Mr. Richard Bermudez, 100st Depot
Chairman for 30 years of service. Also honoring long
standing Chairman of Mother Clara Hale & Amsterdam Depots
currently working for the Division, Mr. William Isabell
Friday, May 25th, 2012
The Ballroom at the Cathedral NYC
504 West 41st Street, NY NY 10036
Tickets: $45.00 per person
Open Bar & Buffet Style Dinner
7:00pm to Midnight 
"We look forward to the pleasure of your company"
For tickets please contact: Vice President Brian Clarke,
Division Chairman, Richard Davis (212) 712-5001
MJQ Chairman, Sukhy Singh (212) 712-5059
100st Chairman, Dwayne Ruffin (212) 712-4668
MTV Chairman, Jose Castellon (212) 712-4341

From the Blog why did you join the union

Roger Toussaint a bad idea

In a surprisingly serious interview with the Wall Street Journal on March 13, 2012 under ‘Clash at Transit Union by Ted Mann’ Roger Toussaint talked about his disappointment with President of TWU Local 100 John Samuelsen and with the Executive Board.
Here are some of Mr. Toussaint’s comments: 1) ‘He previously ruled out a power grab, including in an open letter to the union's executive board in January’  2) ‘It's about getting it from them’ 3) ‘including appearing at a recent meeting of the executive board’ - imagine George W Bush hanging outside of the US Congress it makes no sense. Those we would imagine are made up pejoratives.
In regard to Roger Toussaint’s spotty record, he can blame John Samuelsen all he wants but he cannot run away from his spotty record. He has to answer for it - he can look at the man in the mirror who gave away ‘No Layoff Clause’. Until now he has not come clean with an explanation to the membership which deserve an explanation. He had the ability to deny in giving the MTA ‘No Lay off Clause’ but he did not rather he gave it away freely - why.
Who gave away Union Hall (80 West End Avenue) - it should have been for thirty million more than he received. Until now he has not come clean with an explanation to the membership who deserve an explanation - isn’t that the truth, Mr. Roger Toussaint? Can you deny it?
Who gave away Christmas contract deadline? We are not sure what he truly thinks is the right path for the current contract negotiations, other than that he governed by fear. As president he kept everyone around him who blindly obeyed him but tossed away any who questioned him.
Let us give you now our personal opinion of Roger Toussaint - we believe Roger Toussaint does not represent membership interests no matter how you look at him. He has betrayed membership interests.
At this particular point in time, Roger Toussaint has not yet been proven to be corrupt (we’ll see how the 80 West End Avenue scandal plays out however in the minds of the membership it is clear) but he certainly has proven to be inexperienced, insincere, insolent and above all incompetent.  
Roger Toussaint unfortunately for TWU Local 100 is in over his head. He is not up to the job and is even more of a catastrophe than the inept George Armstrong Custer who was at Little Big Horn - based on his spotty record Roger Toussaint is a bad idea!

Greetings Brothers and Sisters:
We are faced with many obstacles in this contract fight with increased disciplines for minor violations. Every department should be following their standard operating procedure, for Bus Operators we can start with the 19a!
Bus Operators quality of life is under constant attack, but as all of you are aware, MaBstoa and TA Managers are looking for the death blow that would make this job meaningless in terms of our buying power. As Bus Operators, we must do what ever we need to do to protect that! In Manhattan and the Bronx, ShopGate meetings have been occurring to give basic information, and pull support for our leaders.
There is a lot of media surrounding our battles and contract fight. There is also a lot  negativity coming from the forces that intend to run against the current leadership. (Politics) 
We have to stay focused on our fight in order to preserve our earning power.
The innocent folks of this Union have been sucked into a power struggle within itself that causes nothing more than additional division! 
We must fight together all others get out of the way!

Week In Review

Brothers and Sisters; this was the week in review
Our local Leaders went to Albany to put pressure on the legislatures who claim to support our efforts in the contract fight. These efforts are designed to put pressure on the Governor who seem to be taking a strong stance due to future aspirations for President of the United States. This Governor has put State and City pensions in his cross hairs to prove his worthiness as a Presidential candidate.
Campaign literature for President of the TWU Local 100 has already been circulated amongst  the membership to try to discredit  the current leadership and to advise folks to vote differently next time around. It has been the general consensus around the local membership, that this isn't the time nor the place with contract bargaining hanging in the balance! As a footnote, People will do what they have to do to poison the water that we all drink from in order to get their way! (Politics) Management is well aware of our division, let's be bigger and better, let's be together even if it hurts!
Department of Buses - there have been several things in the DOB that Management has been doing and getting away with. In certain locations of the MaBstoa properties Management has been running short on equipment, and radios the Operator via bus radio to pull serviceable buses right to the pullout lines. Our normal standard operating procedures require us to pull our buses in at the fuel line using certain pull in procedures. This should not be deviated from due to any savings measures management tries to put in place. We as a membership must do all we can to protect our shifting, that's why we must follow all SOP's!
Reporting and making reliefs on the road- When Bus Operators report on time, and get to relief locations late due to connecting buses arriving late simply get the route and run of the connecting bus and bring the info to the chairs of the depot, also as a follow up measure Operators can Email me at dyates@twulocal100.org If the above is happening to you, do not pay for a cab, and do not report earlier in order to make that relief on time.(Scheduling Problem)

On Thursday January 27th 2012 the MaBstoa Surface Reps met with the President on the contractual issues of part-timers. We were assured that there would be no settlement of any agreement that would come off the backs of Buses. There is however a potential problem that we must keep our eyes on, and that's the Queens and Staten Island Divisions. (ATU Local 726 ATU Local 1056) The TA is asking for part-timers from them in order to settle their 2009 contract. They have been without a Contract since our last Arbitration award. Currently the ATU is in Arbitration over the matter where the TA is seeking 10% of the workforce to be part timers!
All in a nut shell, the MTA is trying to bind the TWU to the PEF and CSEA agreements. The MTA right now don't have 5,000 layoffs looming over our heads like the State had on those Unions!

In Solidarity
Donald Yates
MaBstoa TWU-100

TWU-100 Halts Talks With MTA Over Bad Faith Bargaining

TWU Local 100 Jan 20, 2012

TWU Halts Talks Over 'Bad Faith Bargaining'

Local 100 President John Samuelsen tells press conference on Jan. 19, 2012 that the union halted bargaining over an MTA breach of confidence by "bargaining in the press."
TWU 100 and the MTA held intensive contract talks the weekend of Jan. 13 - 16.
Some progress was made on departmental issues, but discussions of wages and health benefits still have a long way to go.

Despite reports planted by the MTA in the media, only two wage proposals have been made. The MTA is "offering" 0-0-0-2-2. That is, a 5-yr contract with a 3-yr wage freeze and a 2% raise in the 4th and 5th year. These terms mirror the deal accepted by two big unions of NY state workers.

Local 100 called for annual raises that keep pace with increases in the cost of living. President Samuelsen made it clear that he and the entire Local 100 leadership rejects the idea that transit workers should sacrifice to make up for failed political and economic decisions made on Wall St and in Albany.

After a few days respite, negotiations were to resume on Thursday, January 19. That morning an article appeared in the NY Daily News presenting givebacks that the MTA would be asking for at the meeting. This was a shocking violation of good faith negotiating practices and of a specific agreement with management to refrain from negotiating in the press. This move, the second time in three days that management had seeded the press with its claims, poisoned the atmosphere for negotiations. Local 100 presented its protest and then cancelled the remainder of the bargaining session in order to clear the air before negotiations continued.

The MTA is clearly under pressure to railroad us into an agreement on their terms or, failing that, to force the contract into snap arbitration, cutting short the negotiating process. We are not going to be railroaded.

We are committed to achieving a fair contract -- one that exceeds the terms accepted by state unions -- at the negotiating table. But we are not going to sit still while management attempts to frame the negotiations in the press before they even take place. This is just a way to pressure us into unwarranted concessions.
We look forward to returning to the bargaining table. Due to changes at the MTA, we are already months behind schedule in working out a new contract. We want to make progress in the negotiations. That is why we halted talks on the 19th, and why we expect to resume talks in an improved atmosphere.

Struggle

just a Reminder
Many struggles that this country has endured  to shape the very rights that we have is under constant attack. Media outlets shape the thinking and opinions against ourselves. (Think about That For a moment)
Our parents struggled against all types of oppression, and fought for equal rights. Politicians who were supposed to represent the people  only represent the Money. Corporations lobby against the very rights that were fought for and won through our parents sweat and tears, and in many cases death. Some of us frown against those movements because there is no real understanding of why we have what we have. Some folks believe that America gave us our rights without struggle. The Labor Struggle in America has been erased in our history books, and replaced with  ideas of self preservation. 
If you look where we are today and follow the changes in Law then you will truly understand!
The TA once cared about it's Customers, but now embrace the basic customs of business! Our employer is looking to blame us for their mismanaging by attacking our families.
Sunday January 15th is the Expiration of our contract, but this is more than a contract fight. This is a social struggle!
COME FIGHT WITH YOUR UNION AT THE SHERATON HOTEL 53rd AND 7th AVENUE!

In Solidarity
Donald Yates
MaBstoa TWU-100 

TA's Part Time Proposal

In yesterday's Division meeting for MaBstoa Division1, a question came up regarding The TA's position on Part Timers. At the time we had no knowledge that the TA has made this proposal and it hasn't come up in the DOB negotiations! 
This morning we did in fact found out that the TA is requesting to eliminate restrictions on the hiring of part time Bus Operators. Thus far our Union is adamantly against this proposal! Stay tuned!