Toussaint Syndrome

To the Editor:

Over the last couple of weeks there have been a few Transport Workers Union Local 100 members writing to The Chief to defend Roger Toussaint. First, John McCarthy, then Percival Thomas and lastly, Eladio Diaz. Each and every one of them has gained financially from their support of Toussaint. Eladio Diaz has been a big money-earner: nearly half a million dollars since 2001.

Eladio, it seems, is suffering from the trade-union equivalent of Stockholm Syndrome. A couple of years ago, Eladio injured his foot while walking a TWU picket line in Westchester County. After filing his claim, Eladio was shocked and angered to learn that his boss, Roger Toussaint, controverted his claim. Toussaint alleged that Eladio, a member of Local 100's executive board, was lying about the injury. Eladio lamented to all who would listen of the injustice that Toussaint was inflicting on him. He openly and correctly criticized Toussaint for behaving like an NYC Transit Labor Relations boss.

After this episode, Eladio began openly plotting the demise of Roger Toussaint. He often discussed with his Maintenance of Way colleagues getting rid of the "out-of-control" Roger Toussaint. It was only after Toussaint's opposition passed on inviting Eladio into their fold that he was forced to run back to Toussaint and beg for mercy.

Eladio Diaz is nothing more than a paid hack who doesn't even have any respect for Roger Toussaint. He will defend Roger as long as he continues to get a fat paycheck. And as long as the money keeps rolling in, Eladio is Toussaint's bought-and-paid-for vote on Local 100's executive board, too.

ANTHONY OSORIO, Recording Secretary, Power Distribution, TWU Local 100