John Chiarello

The MTA sued TWU Local 100, the union representing its bus workers, to block arbitration over a disciplinary process for a suspended bus operator. The operator was arrested for 'threats of violence' and accused by a coworker of physical threats, prompting the MTA to require a psychological evaluation. The union challenged the MTA's submission of disciplinary documents to medical services, arguing they should be handled by labor relations offices.

Transit Workers Union Local 100 and the MTA have been without a contract for nearly two months, with union leaders criticizing the MTA's proposals as below inflation and including harmful terms like increased health insurance costs and reduced seniority rights. The MTA describes negotiations as routine and productive, while union representatives warn of potential attempts to expand one-person train operations (OPTO), which the union opposes. A TWU-backed bill requiring two-man train crews awaits Governor Hochul's signature.