Letters to the Editor
Toussaint Must Unify TWU

To the Editor:

The recent TWU Local 100 election was deservedly won by Roger Toussaint, but it also revealed that the union is divided, and that concerted efforts need to be undertaken to unify and strengthen the union.

Those persons who opportunistically used our contract fight in their failed attempt to take over the union owe it to the members to contribute to efforts aimed at unity. Their tactic of pitting the new hires against the more-established workers was shortsighted and contributed to the weakening of the union. They should be involved in educating our members that the leadership has to look at the union as one entity, and that in any one contract, one particular demographic may fare better, but it is the advancement of the whole union that is paramount.

The impending loss of dues check-off privileges, though a huge challenge to the b union, also presents an opportunity for all factions to work together and will demonstrate the sincerity of the various players in preserving a strong Local 100.

The Roger Toussaint administration needs to reach out to all parties that can play a role in building the union. Those persons elected by the membership should be given every opportunity to serve. It should, however, demand accountability from all union officers. The over-emphasis on officers' rights that was so evident in the recent election campaign has to be balanced, perhaps even replaced, by an emphasis on members' rights and officers' responsibilities. The culture of entitlement that allows one to describe a return to his pick job as a "bloody day" has to end.

Roger Toussaint no doubt feels betrayed by the actions of some persons over the last year, but he has to rise above that, and not be so cautious as to impede the contributions from those persons, who though they may disagree with him mean well for the union. Roger will do well to realize that the best advice is not always given by persons closest to someone. It took a little boy to convince the Emperor that he had no clothes.

Our members need to stand and be part of the decision-making in the union. The non-participation of members only serves to inflate the ego and feelings of importance of some leaders. Remember that we only deserve what we are willing to fight for.

A weak union only benefits the MTA. There is much to do within our union, and there is certainly a role for anyone who wants TWU Local 100 to remain strong.

PERCIVAL THOMAS, Track Worker