John Samuelsen, international president of the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU), outlined key challenges facing transit workers and the broader transportation sector in a recent interview. The TWU is the largest airline union in the United States, representing 165,000 transport workers across 100 unions nationwide, including major carriers such as American Airlines and Southwest Air, as well as transit systems in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
Samuelsen, who began his career as a subway track worker and still resides in the Brooklyn neighborhood where he grew up, discussed the relatively low cost of public transit fares despite rising expenses. He noted that while subway fares have increased since the early days of the system, the current flat rate of $3 for a trip from Coney Island to Yankee Stadium remains affordable, especially compared to other transit systems in the U.S. and Europe. Samuelsen pointed to the disparity between the fare and the high cost of living in the city, remarking that a single slice of pizza now costs more than a subway ride.
On public perception of the subway system, Samuelsen attributed widespread criticism in part to the immediacy of social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, which amplify complaints that might have gone unnoticed in the past. He emphasized the safety risks faced by transit workers, revealing that on average five New York City transit employees are assaulted each week. Samuelsen argued that such incidents deserve heightened societal concern comparable to other public service professions.
Regarding infrastructure developments, Samuelsen expressed support for the ongoing Second Avenue subway extension, which benefits from funding sources such as congestion pricing and casino revenue—funds the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) had not previously accessed. He called for a broader public conversation about how these financial mechanisms should be utilized to improve the transit system.
Samuelsen also addressed the threat posed by artificial intelligence to transit jobs. He described ongoing efforts by some "postmodern urbanists" to replace workers with automated systems, framing this as a significant challenge for unions striving to protect employment.
Turning to air traffic control, Samuelsen highlighted the urgent need for increased investment in the system, including hiring more controllers and offering competitive salaries to retain them. He stressed that labor disputes frequently center around work-life balance rather than wages alone, emphasizing the importance of reasonable time off for personal and family commitments as a cornerstone of worker well-being.
Throughout the discussion, Samuelsen underscored the TWU’s commitment to advocating for transport workers’ rights amid evolving technological and economic pressures, ensuring both the safety and dignity of those who keep the nation’s transit systems moving.