Presidents Message

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I have been serving the needs of our members as a union representative since 1990 first as Assistant Shop Steward and ultimately as President in 2005 and I cannot stress enough the importance of standing united as one collective voice!  We are 3,500 members strong and we encompass four companies with multi-faceted divisions.  From First Student in Center Moriches, Suffolk Transportation Service and Suffolk Bus Corporation with locations throughout Suffolk County, Courtesy Bus in Oceanside and Nice Bus (formerly MTA Long Island Bus) in Garden City, we move hundreds of thousands of students and transit passengers on Long Island every year!

As you may know, public sector unions are under attack Country wide and private companies are looking to use that to their advantage by asking for “give backs” and increasing the cost of health care benefits for our members!  Because of this we remain diligent during contract negotiations to protect our members in the best possible way.  Your negotiation committees and I have always fought very hard for the best possible contract, and I assure you we always will!  At present, we are negotiating a contract for First Student and we will keep those members informed as to the progress.

Remember, there is strength in numbers and, as I have repeatedly stated, the Union is only as strong as its members!  YOU ARE THE UNION!