Roger Toussaint Takes to the Rails - and Real People

Last week, amNew York reported on Transit Workers Union president Roger Toussaint's ploy to raise re-election funds by selling various wares, including autographed pictures. Toussaint, though, wanted to dispute the public perception of him in the article, which had quotes from commuters outside of Penn Station. From today's AMNY:

So the Trinidad-native challenged amNewYork to walk the streets with him on his turf -- working class, outer borough neighborhoods. The cheers from working men and women, he predicted, would far outweigh the jeers. He allowed amNewYork to pick the neighborhoods.

"They perceive me as one of them," Toussaint said.

amNewYork spent the afternoon Monday with Toussaint riding the trains and walking through the neighborhoods of Astoria, Long Island City and Jackson Heights.

It almost sounds like a high concept comedy movie - embattled union president invites reporter for an afternoon of hijinks. And you know what? The people on "his turf" either don't know who he is or like him a lot - except for some lady who swore at him.

There's also hilarious video of the journey - check out Toussaint in his TWU Local 100 jacket while looking at subway maps and the group of school boys who are not only pro-Toussaint but pro-strike as well. And the Daily News reports that Toussaint's latest campaign tactic is to imply that a vote against him is playing into the MTA's and Pataki's hands.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on October 10, 2006 12:28 PM

Comments [rss]

dp

This message goes out to all those Roger "One Union" Toussaint supporters:

Roger claims "It's about respect" but doesn't respect the by-laws of the union local he presides. The executive board rule over the president but sadly they are cowards that let him strip them of their dignity and respect for so long.

All that will change when he is un-elected. No one can say he did right by them. There is no contract that he can give you. Mr George Nicolau will be the deciding factor for all 37,000 union members, don't be diluted into thinking he can get you a contract in 2008 or 2009 since he can't even get one for you now.

Booths were closed under his watch. OPTO is still a go under his watch. Structure maintainers were reclassified under his watch. Chronic sick now becomes chronic absenteeism under the expired contract. Sure he can blame the previous administrations for these things, but this is all he can do but play the blame game and not take action to stop these things. Does he think that by voting him in he can change everything in three years where he hadn't done anything in six?

Already the game plan is that if the arbiter rules it would be in December after elections are done. The dues checkoff is now a problem any new administration has to deal with. Also, the local has no building since that is sold to an unknown buyer.

People really have to think if they like being with a dictator. Getting rid of any elected officers just because they don't agree with his game plan and hiring unelected people who have no prior experience at discipline hearings. These people that are unelected are stealing dues from your pocket and yet you are ok with re-electing a small time tyrant. Next time you need a rep when you're about to be called off the clock call one of Rogers flunkies and see if they can help, because the actual help you would have gotten is now at his/her picked job. I am not just talking executive board or vice chairs, I am also talking about chairmen and vice presidents. These are your elected officers, reduced down to working the field with Roger giving out high fives 'cause he just kicked a vice president back to the road or field.

This is a person who blames Sonny Hall for any undue fortune that has been shot across the bow of the union, yet all intents and purposes, listens to his inner Sonny Hall and scorches the earth by cutting off any real representation.

Continue to praise him like a battered wife and vote him back in and see that he will continue to act with a heavy hand rather than actually work for us in accordance to what the TWU By-Laws and Constitution state.

Person of Color

Apparently the phrase "person of color" is acceptable. In a lot of my college classes, that phrase was often thrown around. I sometimes hear the words slip out of my mouth. The only person who seems to get offended is my bf who is white. His replies "Just because I'm considered white, doesn't mean I don't have a color"

Rich D

It has been somewhat tragic living under the Toussaint regime for the past few years. Aside from firing anyone that might have a differing idea, repopulating the union staff with mindless lackeys has not done much to protect our rights.

He is an outstanding media figure and a bust for delivering the goods at contract time. His predescessor the despised and schlumpy Willie James at least brought contracts that exceeded the rate of inflation.

As someone that ran against him in 2003 and again now the style vs. substance thing is amazing to me.

anonymass

If anyone sees him out and about today, please post the whereabouts. I have a few overripe tomatoes I'd like to 'give' him.

Toby

A "holiday" Monday afternoon when most people would be at work seems to scream publicity stunt aimed at not haviing people around who are actually pissed at this moron. The guy is no Mike Quill.

Elderta

I swear when I saw am/NY this morning, I thought the kid was pointing and laughing at Toussaint.

your mom

"people of color"? what are you, uncle tom? someone needs to take a louima bat to your ass!

MT

I'd love to walk to the streets with RS. I'd take the opportuinity to kick him in the ass. I notice he's doing it during a beautiful Indian Summer and not when it's 23 degrees outside.

bklynd

Yeah, that video is pretty funny. But, you go out to Queens in the middle of the day, and you meet people who don't need to commute to Manhattan to make a living.

For balance, why don't they tour a Manhattan hospital and try to glad-hand the nursing staff, or to Macy's and interview the retail workers? Then you'll find some people (people of color, even) who'll criticize Roger to his face.

And, of course, the idea that commuters with suits and ties do NOT have a valid opinion is just wrong. It's everybody's subway.