TWU Local 225 Branch 4 mobilized its membership to trounce a raid of TWU’s Brick Township New Jersey schools unit in the middle of delicate contract negotiations. Members turned back this attempt by a renegade group to disrupt negotiations by an overwhelming 85% vote with nearly all members voting.

Transit Director and Administrative Vice President Susan Resch, a former Brick municipal employee, complimented Local 225 Branch President Chris Mikkelson and his teams quick response in mobilizing his membership and Local activists to beat back the hostile takeover.

A number of rallies and meetings were held in Brick where various TWU and labor representatives spoke. “We have been here for almost 40 years negotiating strong contracts, said Resch, and clearly our members understand that the TWU provides the best representation.” TWU International President Jim Little added, “The TWU appreciates the loyalty and support that the Local 225 membership vote spoke to; as well as their mandate entrusting us with the ability to continue to provide them with strong contracts in the future.”

President Mikkelson thanked the volunteer core of members and retirees who made the landslide victory possible: “It couldn’t happen without the tireless work of our volunteers who went door-to-door and made phone calls.”

That volunteer group included Rec. Secretary Margaret Reddan, VP Scott Sargent, Brick Chair and E-Board Member Lisa Hand, Sue Carbone, Kathy Bennett, Bobbie O’Brien, Maureen Bresee, Diana DesJardins, Pete DeRosa, Ann Morgan, Claire Gianettino, Hank Sneyers, Tom and Ann Fiorentino, Ann Morgan, Gloria Dykes, Dale Cali, Celina Suckiel, Holly Miller, Joe Ernst, Kenneth Estelle, Robert Gianettino, John Gianettino, Annmarie Hubert, Arthur Johnson John Mills and Diane Nase.