Local 501 1946-2008
Presidents
Bernard Murphy 1946-1949
Nicholas Kiriacon 1950
Benjamin Bially 1951-1955
William King 1956-1967
John Kamanjian 1967-1968
Patrick McGahan 1978-1980
Ralph Cheifete 1974-1978
Patrick McGahan 1978-1980
Nicholas Massi 1981-1984
Joseph Vitti 1984
Louis Merlino 1985-1990
Richard Scattone 1990-1996
John Buckley 1996-2002
Michael Chiofalo 2002-2008
David J. Virella 2008-
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The Transport Workers Union of America was founded in 1934 as an industrial union dedicated to the promise that an organization built on trust and equality for all workers cannot be denied. Our motto is " United-Invincible." TWU is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and the worldwide International Transport Workers Federation (ITF). We are a trade union representing workers in Mass Transportation, Airline, Railroad, Utility, University, Municipalities, Service and allied industries.
Our union operates on three levels - the International Union, Industrial Divisions and Local affiliates. All TWU members belong to Locals formed on the basis of interest and geographic location. The members elect their own Local officers who handle negotiations, organizing drives and legilative campaigns. It provides proffessional legal, education, research and public relations services to the Locals and Divisions.
The supreme policy-making body of the union is the International Convention which is held every four years. International officers are elected at the Convention. The International Constitution, which governs all union activities, is reviewed and amended at that time as well.
Between Conventions, the policy-making bodies of the union are the International Executive Council and International Executive Board. Division Councils meet at regular intervals to discuss and formulate policies affecting their own particular memberships. | 
