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Transit union candidates speak out on service
Photo credit: Urbanite
The race to lead the nation's largest transportation union has entered its final, heated stretch.
Curtis Tate, the acting president of Transport Workers Union Local 100, is running against union activist John Samuelsen. Voting concludes Monday, but the ballots won't be counted until December. The winners will represent nearly all subway and bus workers for three years.
Curtis Tate, 52
A train operator on the numbered trains for 20 years, Tate is the acting TWU 100 president, appointed to replace former president Roger Toussaint, and leader of the “United Invincible” slate
What would you do to improve service?
We are prepared to fight to keep service at its current level, or better. It's post 9/11, and we don't want to take people out of the system. We are fighting to keep station agents booths open and prevent service cuts.
Would you ever consider striking?
Strikes are never ever your first, second or third choice. I'm not looking to break the law.What would you do for transit workers if elected?
We need to make further improvements on worker child care and training. I'm interested in teaching the next generation in trade unionism. I'm also extremely invested in expanding our (assistance) to women workers.
John Samuelsen, 41
A track inspector for 17 years in Brooklyn, Samuelsen leads the “Take Back Our Union” slate
What would you do to improve service?
A key difference is that we would have launched an all-out fight to save the station agent jobs, and that would have benefited service. They are the first layer of protection for our riders.
Would you ever consider striking?
I'm not in favor of a strike. We intend to win gains at the bargaining table.
What would you do for transit workers if elected?
We would pressure the company to advance our wages and benefits. The union is at its weakest point in decades. That's why we teetered on the brink of unprecedented service cuts and layoffs. A strong union will maintain service and staff.
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