Union Withdraws Support for Hochul
Governor Hochul, it seems, might want to keep her distance from the door—at least the one leading to re-election.
John Samuelsen, who leads the International Transportation Workers Union, which represents around 60,000 workers across New York’s transit and airline sectors, announced on Tuesday that the union will not back Hochul in her re-election bid due to ongoing labor issues. In a pointed letter addressed to union members, he stated, “She is not a union supporting the governor. She is the bosses’ governor.”
Union frustrations have mounted, particularly since Hochul has vetoed key legislation meant to improve working conditions, like requiring two-person crews on trains and enhancing pensions for workers. Instead, she has backed the MTA’s decisions that demand workers contribute more to their own health care.
Samuelsen claimed that Hochul had directed the state Department of Land Transportation to withhold commercial driver’s license renewals from immigrant workers who hold valid visas. This situation, in his view, makes her an outright adversary to the TWU and disastrous for blue-collar workers in New York. He emphasized that the International TWU won’t blindly support her just because of her party affiliation.
The National Union of Labor has also stated its decision not to support any candidates, a move that might oddly favor the Republican contender, Bruce Blakeman.
However, Samuelsen clarified that local branches, like TWU Local 100 representing subway and bus workers, have the autonomy to endorse or decline support for any candidates they choose.
In the past, Local 100 did back Hochul in 2022, but now their existing contract with the MTA is set to expire on May 16th. Samuelsen has candidly mentioned that upcoming negotiations could become quite contentious, possibly the toughest since the 2005 transit strike.
This rift began late last year when Hochul vetoed a bill aimed at ensuring two personnel on all subway trains, a move the union argues jeopardizes safety. Decades of conflict over staffing in the rail industry have led to this point.
In the current contract with TWU, most trains under the MTA typically run with two crew members, save for certain short shuttle services.
Hochul defended her veto, suggesting that the proposed bill might incur costs upwards of $10 million annually and hinder the MTA’s modernization efforts. Blakeman, however, condemned her actions, siding with the union that conductors are essential for ensuring safety amidst rising crime challenges.
Some advocates and watchdog organizations backed Hochul’s decision, arguing it would help manage expenses and spur necessary innovations for passenger service.
Interestingly, Hochul’s campaign did not provide any comment on the situation, but despite these tensions, she continues to lead in polling. Adding to her momentum, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado recently announced the suspension of his Democratic primary efforts against Hochul.
