The TWU’s 27th Constitutional Convention – the largest ever – kicked off Monday with International President John Samuelsen reporting on the “unprecedented victories and unprecedented growth” secured by America’s Fightback Union over the last four years.
In all divisions – Air, Rail, and Transit – the TWU has secured strong contracts that offer members better wages, improved benefits, and enhanced safety, Samuelsen said. That’s because the TWU has had the audacity to fight and the ability to wage strategic and aggressive campaigns.
Delegates broke out into applause several times as specific contracts and advancements were mentioned, including the Local 556 and 577 contracts with Southwest Airlines and Allegiant Airlines, which secured industry-first paid maternity and family leave after the birth of a child. Local 234 delegates and others cheered a contract provision committing transit officials to install bulletproof compartments for Bus Operators in Philadelphia.
“All of us are in this business to advance the working conditions and wages of working people, and we’ve done that repeatedly over the last four years, and in fact, since this leadership took over,” Samuelsen said. “So, we’re here to win, and that’s what we’ve been doing.”
The TWU’s membership has grown by more than 30,000 members to more than 160,000 under this leadership team of Samuelsen, Executive Vice President Alex Garcia, Secretary-Treasurer Jerome Lafragola, Administrative Vice President Curtis Tate, and Administrative Vice President Mike Mayes. This resulted in the largest-ever group of TWU delegates at a convention.
That growth is a direct result of the TWU’s relentless organizing of new work groups, building TWU power, and enabling workers to fight as one to improve their lives and the lives of their families.
“If there’s a message from this leadership, it’s ‘fight back,’ Samuelsen said. “Work with the International to develop a strategic campaign. Punch the bosses in the face, do it from all different angles. Do it wisely, and we’ll win.”
Delegates also heard from guest speakers, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. Shuler called Samuelsen “the best organizing president in the labor movement.”
Murphy closed out the day with a rousing speech, noting his longstanding relationship with the TWU.
“There is not a fiercer advocate for organized labor in America today than John Samuelsen,” Murphy said.
VIDEO LINKS:
The TWU Divisions: Air, Rail, and Transit: https://youtu.be/tom-oB2xFuA
The President’s Report: https://youtu.be/SDc-moM-wao
Fighting Big Tech: https://youtu.be/0JlmACksEIc