NYC Ferry Technicians Vote to Join Transport Workers Union

A group of 65 technicians and welders employed by the Hornblower Group, the contractor responsible for the NYC Ferry system, voted unanimously on Thursday evening to join the Transport Workers Union (TWU). According to the union, 61 of the eligible employees cast ballots, all in favor of the move.

The workers, who primarily operate out of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, are seeking improved wages and enhanced benefits. The TWU, which represents approximately 160,000 transportation workers nationwide, has not yet determined whether these new members will be integrated into the existing Local 100 chapter or organized under a separate division.

TWU President John Samuelsen described the vote as a significant step in the union's broader strategy to represent the city's ferry workforce. "We have our foot in the door and plan on organizing the rest of the ferry workers," Samuelsen said in a statement, adding that the union intends to pursue a contract that provides substantial gains for the staff.

Representatives for the Hornblower Group stated that the company respects the employees' right to organize and intends to engage in the collective bargaining process. "Based on the results of this week’s election, we will work with all relevant parties to reach a fair collective bargaining agreement," the company noted in a statement provided by its legal counsel.

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), which oversees the ferry system, also acknowledged the election results. Spokesperson Seth Schuster stated that the agency supports the employees' decision and remains committed to ensuring that the ferry operator fulfills its obligations to provide reliable service to the public.

While the immediate focus is on the newly unionized technicians and welders, the TWU has signaled that it plans to coordinate with allies to expand representation across other segments of the ferry system. The timeline for the commencement of formal contract negotiations has not yet been announced.