TWU Local 525

09/25/2026

More low wages at Canaveral Port Authority

Canaveral Port Authority CEO John Murray sent out another thank you letter today to his employees after a dismal wage increase for some.

“The Canaveral Port Authority’s success is driven by the dedication and commitment of our employees. We appreciate the contributions and important work you do every day in support of the Port’s mission and continued growth” - John Murray

He must not appreciate them as much as some of us do.

CPA parking attendants got a .76 cent raise. That’s not a raise. That’s an insult. Some at the Port increase their salaries by 25k-30k annually. People in some departments are still struggling to buy groceries and care for their families. Seventy-six cents an hour doesn’t help with today’s prices and after taxes, it doesn’t amount to Jack-Squat!!!

This is the biggest cruise port in the world. Last year the Port brought in $218 million. Parking alone was $52.7 million. This year’s budget is $237 million. The CEO collects nearly a $1,000,000.00 in base salary plus a six-figure bonus just for staying in the job.

Some of the classifications at the Port collect a fairly decent salary along with the 4% wage increase this year but some of the classifications just get left behind every year regardless of our continuous efforts at the bargaining table to level the playing field. Many of the Port’s workers earn a poverty level wage while standing in the heat & rain while world travel around them to these wonderful cruise destinations.

About a month ago I sent a letter to every Port commissioner asking for a real wage study. I didn’t get one response from any of them. So that’s where we are. Record money coming in. Top of the house taken care of. Elected officials won’t even answer the mail. And our people in Cruise Ops and other classifications are wondering how they’re supposed to grocery shop and fuel their cars on pennies.

They don’t need a thank you letter. They need a paycheck that provides for them and their families and an employer who cares enough to sit down and negotiate something fair for ALL.

08/08/2026

150 TWU Driver & Service positions

A new company is set to take over Collier County's bus system, and more than 150 transit workers are waiting to find out what that means for their jobs.

07/01/2026

We have CEO’s like this one too. Shameful !!!

AKRON TRANSIT WORKERS PASS STRIKE AUTHORIZATION WITH NEARLY UNANIMOUS VOTE

Transport Workers Union Local 1 members who maintain and operate the Akron-Metro bus system voted 269 to 1 today to authorize a strike.

The vote empowers Local 1 leaders to call a service-halting strike at the date and time of their choosing. The workers’ contract with Akron-Metro expired on June 1, 2024. Negotiations and a recommendation by an arbitrator have failed to bring the two sides together.

“Akron Metro CEO Dawn Distler and Board President Mark Derrig have treated us with the utmost contempt and disrespect,” Local 1 President Wayne Cole said. “We haven’t had a raise in more than three years. They want to increase our out-of-pocket healthcare costs by $2,000 a year. And they don’t think Juneteenth is important enough to make it holiday. Enough is enough. We’re not taking it anymore.”

Another sticking point angering workers: CEO Distler received annual raises and bonuses totaling more than $70,000 while workers have received no increases during the ongoing affordability crisis with rising inflation.

Cole also questioned how Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, who appoints half of the Akron Metro board, has not made settling the contract dispute a top priority.

“He has an opportunity to stand up for blue-collar Akron, or side with the two-faced Akron bosses who talk a good game but really don’t give a damn about transit workers,” Transport Workers Union International President John Samuelsen said.

Local 1 represents more than 300 Bus Operators, Vehicle Service Workers, and Clerical Workers.

“The Transport Workers Union of America has Local 1’s back, and we will continue to do whatever we can to help secure a fair contract,” Samuelsen said. “Whatever is needed, we will provide, whether that’s more resources, more union boots on the ground, more public outreach explaining just how terrible Akron Metro management has been, or anything else, we’re going to deliver.”

Local 1 is required to give 10 days notice prior to starting a strike. Negotiations are expected to resume tomorrow.

05/29/2026

It’s TIME !!!!! See you tomorrow!

05/29/2026

TWU Local 525 Firefighters at the Space Force Station are waiting to be deployed after Blue Origin’s New Glen anomaly to start battling fires in the woods and brush surrounding the launch pad to stop it from spreading further. The pad is still too dangerous to send in crews there. This is an extremely hazardous situation requiring a highly trained and well coordinated response.

05/20/2026

10 days out till our fundraiser!!!! Can’t wait!!!!

We’re asking local businesses in Merritt Island, Rockledge, Cocoa, and Viera to help support the Chris Smith family.

On May 30th, we’re hosting a BBQ fundraiser at Kiwanis Island Park and are looking for raffle and door prize donations.

If you’re able to contribute, please message me—your support will make a real difference.

PM me if you want to donate a raffle prize.

04/29/2026

We’re asking local businesses in Merritt Island, Rockledge, Cocoa, and Viera to help support the Chris Smith family.

On May 30th, we’re hosting a BBQ fundraiser at Kiwanis Island Park and are looking for raffle and door prize donations.

If you’re able to contribute, please message me—your support will make a real difference.

PM me if you want to donate a raffle prize.