TWU Presidential Election Ballots In The Mail

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TWU Presidential Election Ballots In The Mail
11/20/2006 09:08 AM
By: NY1 News

The Transport Workers Union local 100 is sending out ballots to its more than 37,000 members today, nearly one year after the transit strike.

President Roger Toussaint is hoping to remain the union's leader, but he's facing opposition from four other union members who say he's let down the transit workers.

Many members have criticized the way Toussaint handled last year's strike, waiting five days after the contract deadline to call the walkout.

The contract he negotiated was voted down by union members but later approved in a revote, which the MTA refused to accept. Now the contract is in the hands of an arbitrator.

Commuters NY1 spoke with have mixed feelings about Toussaint.

"I think he went about the strike in a wrong way," said a commuter. "You know, it was more abusive to the regular train riders. They were affected by it a great deal, more so then any of the people in the unions."

"He should get the job, yeah," added another. "I feel he did well for unions in general, which have been losing a lot of power over the past few years."

Last week, Toussaint debated the issues with challengers Anthony Staley, Ainsley Stewart, and Michael Carrube. Another candidate, Barry Roberts, did not debate.

The ballots will be tallied on December 15th.