Union Sues MTA Over Staffing Changes at New York City Subway Booths
New York City’s Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 has filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), challenging a new policy that allows subway token booths to remain unstaffed when assigned agents are absent due to illness or vacation. The legal action, joined by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and the Center for the Independence of the Disabled New York, alleges the policy jeopardizes public safety and accessibility for riders, particularly those with disabilities. The dispute marks the latest escalation in an ongoing conflict between the union and the state government over staffing levels and safety protocols within the city’s vast subway system.
The lawsuit centers on a change implemented by the MTA in January 2026, which effectively ends the practice of replacing absent booth agents with other staff members. Previously, if a station agent was sick or on leave, another agent would cover the post. The MTA argues this shift allows agents to be more visible throughout stations, assisting riders at fare gates, payment machines, and other key locations. However, the TWU contends that unstaffed booths create a security risk and diminish crucial assistance for vulnerable passengers. The core of the dispute revolves around the interpretation of a 2022 agreement between the MTA and the union regarding the role of station agents.
Accessibility Concerns and Public Safety
A central argument in the lawsuit is the impact on riders with disabilities. Sharon McLennon Wier, executive director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled, stated that booth agents are often critical in assisting individuals navigating the subway system. “When we talk about having booth attendants working in the stations, it’s about life or death,” Wier said, emphasizing the importance of readily available assistance for those who rely on it. The lawsuit further claims the MTA’s policy violates the city’s Human Rights Law by limiting access for people with disabilities.
Beyond accessibility, the TWU argues that the absence of booth agents compromises overall public safety. John Chiarello, president of TWU Local 100, expressed concern over rising incidents of violence within the subway system. “These are our frontline soldiers, our people that are eyes and ears of transit,” Chiarello stated. “You see what’s going on out there. People are getting shot, stabbed, and beat up. I would want somebody to call 911. I wouldn’t rely on anything but a person.” The union believes that staffed booths provide a vital layer of security and a direct point of contact for riders in emergency situations.
A History of Conflict and Contract Negotiations
This legal challenge is not an isolated incident but rather the latest development in a protracted battle between the TWU and state officials. Last year, New York Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill that would have mandated two-person subway crews on all trains, despite growing concerns about automation and safety. The veto sparked widespread criticism from the union and advocates for increased safety measures. That bill is expected to be reintroduced during the current legislative session. Adding to the tension, the TWU’s contract with the state is set to expire this spring, raising the stakes for ongoing negotiations.
The MTA maintains that the 2022 agreement with the union already addressed the shift in station agent roles. According to Demetrius Crichlow, NYC Transit President, “The MTA and the union agreed three years ago to new rules where station agents moved outside booths to better assist not only persons with disabilities but all New Yorkers at fare gates, payment machines and throughout the entire station.” Crichlow further stated that public notice was provided, hearings were held, and agents received additional pay as part of the agreement. However, the TWU argues that the MTA’s recent decision to eliminate replacement coverage for absent agents represents a unilateral change to the agreed-upon terms.
The Evolving Role of Subway Booths
The debate over staffing levels also reflects the changing function of subway booths themselves. Once heavily fortified structures housing cash and subway tokens, the booths have become largely obsolete with the introduction of the MetroCard in the 1990s and, more recently, the OMNY contactless payment system. The MTA ended the practice of allowing booth workers to reload MetroCards in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, a change that was never reversed. Today, the primary function of station agents is increasingly focused on customer service and assistance, rather than traditional fare collection.
According to Robert Kelly, Stations Vice President for Transport Workers Union Local 100, the MTA employs approximately 2,400 station agents across the city’s 472 subway stations. The union argues that reducing staffing levels, even in the face of evolving technology, undermines the ability to provide adequate support to riders and maintain a safe environment. The lawsuit seeks to prevent the MTA from implementing the new policy and to ensure that station booths remain adequately staffed at all times.
Riders interviewed at the Jay Street-MetroTech station in Downtown Brooklyn echoed the concerns raised by the union and disability advocates. One commuter, Hassan Ahmod, who speaks limited English, explained his reliance on booth agents for assistance with the OMNY system. “I’m not quality with English. I don’t recognize how to use the [OMNY] machine,” Ahmod said. “Why do you think somebody stays inside [the booth]? To help people.” Another rider, Roz Sophas, expressed anxiety about the potential consequences of unstaffed booths in emergency situations. “It’s really crazy. Someone may acquire injured, they need help, then you out of luck,” Sophas said.
What Happens Next?
The lawsuit is currently pending in Manhattan Supreme Court. A court date has not yet been set, but the case is expected to move forward in the coming weeks. The outcome of the legal challenge could have significant implications for the future of subway staffing and accessibility in New York City. The TWU is also preparing for contract negotiations with the MTA, where staffing levels and safety concerns are likely to be key issues. The union’s contract with the state is set to expire this spring, adding further urgency to the situation.
The MTA has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit beyond its initial statement defending the new policy. The agency is likely to argue that the changes are necessary to improve efficiency and enhance customer service. The case will likely hinge on the interpretation of the 2022 agreement between the MTA and the TWU, as well as the legal obligations of the MTA to provide accessible transportation for all riders.
Key Takeaways:
- The Transport Workers Union is suing the MTA over a new policy allowing unstaffed subway booths when agents are absent.
- The lawsuit argues the policy jeopardizes public safety and accessibility, particularly for riders with disabilities.
- This legal challenge is part of an ongoing dispute between the union and the state government over staffing levels and safety.
- The future of subway booth staffing and accessibility in New York City hangs in the balance.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the lawsuit progresses. We will continue to monitor the case and provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts on this important issue in the comments below.