NYC Transit Workers Union History Map: A Journey Through Labor Rights by robert lewis

1934: TWU Local 100 Founded

uft_cwe — 2025-02-23 21:31:18 UTC

Michael J. Quill and other transit workers founded the Transport Workers Union Local 100 in response to harsh working conditions in the subway system. Workers faced 7-day work weeks, 12-hour shifts, and no benefits. The union began organizing in secret to avoid retaliation from the IRT, BMT, and IND companies.

1937: First Major Contract Victory

uft_cwe — 2025-02-23 21:31:18 UTC

TWU Local 100 secured its first major contract with the IRT, establishing an 8-hour workday and 6-day work week. This victory at the IRT headquarters marked a turning point for transit worker rights in NYC.

1966: First Major Transit Strike

uft_cwe — 2025-02-23 21:31:18 UTC

Under Mike Quill's leadership, TWU Local 100 launched a 12-day strike that shut down NYC's transit system. The strike began shortly after the NYC Transit Authority was transferred to the newly created Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Despite Quill's arrest, the union secured significant wage increases and benefits.

1980: 11-Day Transit Strike

uft_cwe — 2025-02-23 21:31:18 UTC

TWU Local 100 conducted another significant strike lasting 11 days. The strike resulted in improved wages and benefits for workers, though it came with significant fines for violating the Taylor Law, which prohibits public employees from striking.

2005: December Transit Strike

uft_cwe — 2025-02-23 21:31:18 UTC

Under Roger Toussaint's leadership, TWU Local 100 staged a three-day strike over pension and retirement age issues. The strike significantly impacted holiday season travel and resulted in heavy fines for the union under the Taylor Law.

2012: Hurricane Sandy Response

uft_cwe — 2025-02-23 21:31:18 UTC

TWU Local 100 members played a crucial role in restoring subway service after Hurricane Sandy. Workers pumped out flooded tunnels and restored damaged infrastructure, demonstrating their essential role in maintaining NYC's transit system.

2019: MTA Training Center Expansion

uft_cwe — 2025-02-23 21:31:18 UTC

TWU Local 100 secured a major victory with the expansion of training facilities for transit workers, ensuring better safety and skill development opportunities. The agreement included new simulation technology and enhanced training programs.

2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Response

uft_cwe — 2025-02-23 21:31:18 UTC

TWU Local 100 members continued to operate trains and buses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite significant risks. The union fought for and secured better PPE, testing, and hazard pay for its members. Tragically, over 100 transit workers lost their lives to COVID-19.

2024: Robert starts teaching Digital Literacy at Training & Upgrading Fund

uft_cwe — 2025-02-23 21:54:04 UTC

Training & Upgrading Fund

601 Broadway, New York, NY

2025-02-24 15:03:16 UTC

Manhattanville Bus Depot Moves New York from upper Harlem to lower Manhattan

2125 W 13th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223

2025-02-27 23:04:46 UTC

Also known as PS.248.