Many MTA operators were enthusiastic about the “new” union SMART.
In the first meetings they announced that they would have classes for 20% of the members so that they could gain confidence in questions like how to understand the collective contracts and how to negotiate these so they could have more participation in the process.
The classes would also be about the union rules so that the members would better understand what happens in the meetings and would have more control over them.
The problem for the SMART officials is that the drivers have been going to meetings to complain about the attacks they suffer from MTA. They have been demanding solutions for these problems from the UTU officials, in particular from General Chairman James Williams.
The fact is that the classes taught very little or nothing. Instead of classes, they have been converted into meetings where the drivers denounce the UTU officials. The drivers openly yell at Williams. “Do your work. That’s what we
pay you for.” Lately they have booed and insulted him.
Since the attacks on Williams have become more frequent, they have decided to abolish this type of meeting, perhaps convinced by Williams.
They changed the place of the meetings. Now, with the excuse that the new meeting room is too small, they only allow a smaller number of drivers to participate. What’s more, these will be chosen by the chairmen of the sections. There will be five by each local chairman, for a total of 30, including the 5 chosen by Williams.
Possibly both SMART and Williams are looking among these 30 operators for those who have more “glibness and charisma” to be the new officials who will replace Williams and his
henchmen. He has already been General Chairman for 20 years.

An MTA Driver

Red Flag Comments:
These workers’ anger at and hatred of their treacherous union officials must be channeled into the movement to destroy capitalism which breeds them. We call on workers to read, distribute and economically support Red Flag, and join ICWP to advance the revolutionary struggle for communism.