President of Transport Workers Union of America, John Samuelsen, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss working conditions on New York City railways and the potential for TWU workers to go on strike. Samuelsen also discussed the conditions of the SAG-AFTRA picket and the importance of solidarity in the labor movement.
Thirty years ago, the New York City train tracks were far from a safe place to work. Workers were ordered to work without proper flagging protection, without water and more challenges every day. The TWU fought back against the unsafe conditions, and over time helped create a safer place for workers. While they have made strides to create a safer working environment, there is still a lot of work to be done, Samuelsen said.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and its CEO, John “Janno” Lieber, are at odds with two local TWU unions representing over 600 workers. The workers have been without a contract for four years. The MTA has ignored a standard created for the contract to be agreed upon and is not negotiating in good faith with the union members, Samuelsen said. The contract offered to workers has far less value than the standard set in 2019 and can be amended immediately after it becomes a signed contract.
Samuelsen recently joined the SAG-AFTRA picket in New York City to show his solidarity with the workers. Several TWU members have joined the picket to show their support and help fight for workers' rights. The fight against advancing artificial intelligence replacing workers is something the TWU and SAG-AFTRA are both fighting against. The show of support between unions this summer has never been more appropriate, and now is the time to fight together, Samuelson said.
To hear more about the possible TWU strike, please listen to the episode above.