Toussaint's Failings

 
To the Editor:

Unready, Unset, Go! That was how Roger Toussaint launched Transport Workers' Union Local 100 into the strike. The officers of MaBSTOA were not given any notice of his impending actions; he chose to confide in his band of appointed stewards, rather than the elected officers.

What astounds me is the bizarre interpretation he gave to the handwritten note (Feb. 17 issue) that was sent to him by the officers of MaBSTOA. What is even more astounding is that if he perceived such an ominous threat from the note, why then did he not approach those officers for a clarification of their intent, instead of letting his paranoia rule his actions?

For those of you who are interested, the note was meant to convey support and to express the mindset of the members speaking to those officers in the field who signed the note. It should be also noted that it was conveniently omitted in The Chief article that the note began with, "At a meeting today of the undersigned officer of MaBSTOA it was unanimously decided that we support the decision of the executive board."

It must also be noted that the Toussaint administration had been systematically seeking to circumvent (prior to the strike) the officers of MaBSTOA. And in the 2002 contract, Toussaint gave up MaBSTOA's 40-year contract and allowed in the disastrous Bus Consolidation clause.

Most of the officers in MaBSTOA are well aware of the old union adage "that every clause in a contract is written in blood," and giving up their 40-year rich contract was a slap in the face, as every clause in that contract was hard fought for by those officers that came before them.

A case in point is the fact that Toussaint, in his new contract, negotiated a 2-year assault clause at run pay, when the MaBSTOA contract he gave up had a 4-year assault clause at run pay.

I suggest Toussaint stop trying to spin-doctor his way out of the corner that he has painted himself into and start doing what he was elected to: represent the majority and get back to the table and renegotiate his poorly negotiated contract.

MICHAEL TUTRONE

Editor's note: Mr. Tutrone is the Manhattan transportation division chairman for Local 100's Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority division.