Fixing Problems Cost$!
If you are in this Union that means you are an adult and as an adult you know that when there are problems, it usually takes money to fix them. And if you are an MTA employee that could have retired, but dies before doing so and your family does not get your pension or you have gotten tickets while operating an MTA vehicle while supervising in bus camera enforcement areas or are a Tier 6 employee who wants pension reforms, then you should know that to fix these injustices, will come at a cost.
In 2024 Local 106 worked tirelessly to get the Death Gamble Bill to Governors Hochul’s desk, but she vetoed it! In 2025 we have not missed a beat, we shook it off and are taking another run at it.
After exhausting all options with the MTA and DOT to address the fines our members are receiving we not only filed a lawsuit against both agencies, but we now have Bill S6815 in Albany that would exempt MTA vehicles from getting fines for doing our job.
All of what we are doing to correct these injustices takes money, and we do not, and can not use Union dues for political activities. For that, we use COPE/PAF contributions. COPE is used for donations to politicians that are helping our causes and the PAF (Political Action Fund) is used for Lobbying politicians to support our causes. The team here at Local 106 does our own lobbying and none of our COPE money goes to the TWU International. Right now if you contribute $3.00 per paycheck, 50%, $1.50 goes COPE and 50%, $1.50 goes to the PAF.
If it wasn’t for the voluntary COPE/PAF membership contributions we would not get legislation drafted, supported and to the Governors desk. We need 100% of our membership to understand what it takes and to support what we are doing on your behalf by being a contributor to COPE/PAF. IF you already contribute, we thank you, if you do not contribute I am urging you to be part of the solution to fix the injustices that we face as MTA employees and supervisors by filling out a COPE/PAF card attached and sending it to your division Chairman.
Fraternally,
Philip Valenti, President
