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TWU ‘Big Tent’ Wise

To the Editor:

Transport Workers Union Local 100 President John Samuelsen is setting up an inclusive big tent in order to promote unity in a divided union. In doing so, he can steer clear of the pitfalls of factionalism and cronyism that often beset and trouble insurgent administrations. Fierce in-fighting among destructive factions, for example, crippled Utility Workers Union Local 1-2 for many, many years.

Former President Roger Toussaint learned the hard way that the qualities that made someone a strong opponent of incumbents did not always translate into the ability to do the business of the union in a competent and effective way. A job in power must lead to giving up on negativism and constantly throwing stones. In the past at TWU Local 100, there were many insurgents who just couldn’t make that adjustment and had to go.

Rather than take an “off with their heads” approach and clean out all Toussaint office-holders, Samuelsen is looking at each individual on a case-by-case basis, and how well they do their jobs, in a thoughtful and responsible way.

In 2001, his predecessor was entreated to retain Willie James’s political action director for at least a year. Why? Because Dennis Gallen could deliver a meeting with Governor Pataki on demand, if necessary. But the new administration refused to keep him on, and time and effectiveness was lost while a capable new appointee, Vernon Thorpe, got up to speed.

When it comes to Political Action and Research, Samuelsen may not repeat Toussaint’s mistakes and summarily toss qualified, experienced and skilled people from key positions, even though they are not from his faction. It is equally heartening to know that he has brought back a solid and savvy labor journalist, Alan Saly, who owns a good track record with TWU Local 100, to handle the union’s publications.

Equally encouraging is the knowledge that another experienced and talented veteran city labor journalist, Jim Gannon, has signed on to move TWU Local 100 communications into the 21st century. These are wise choices that flow from a sound and mature approach to filling the union positions in question.

As far as a job for Curtis Tate goes (Letter to the Chief Jan 22 issue), it’s likely that Samuelsen consulted with and gained the approval of RTO division officers before naming him. When Tate decided to run against Samuelsen for president, RTO Train Operator Chair and TBOU supporter Steve Downs said of Tate, then RTO VP, “he welcomed input from all officers and made clear that his only concern was that we provide effective representation to the members of RTO.”

Factions want to see the world in black-and-white terms. They often miss the grays that are also in the picture.

RUSS SMITH