Unopposed for the second consecutive convention, TWU International President John Samuelsen and his entire United Unstoppable slate were reelected for another term at the 27th Constitutional Convention in Las Vegas today, marking a historic display of support and unity.

The convention – the largest gathering of delegates ever in the TWU’s rich history – erupted in applause when the vote count concluded and the top five officers, standing shoulder to shoulder, raised their clasped hands high above their heads in victory: Samuelsen, Executive Vice President Alex Garcia, Secretary-Treasurer Jerome Lafragola, Administrative Vice President Curtis Tate, and Administrative Vice President Mike Mayes.

“It is with the utmost humility that we say thank you as a slate,” Samuelsen said. “The affirmation, the uplifting positivity of being elected without opposition, is just stunning. It’s incredible. It really is. It’s the entire body of the membership saying that we are in total agreement with the fighting mentality that this leadership has brought to the International.”

United Unstoppable slate, led by Samuelsen, Garcia, Lafragola, Tate, and Mayes, also ran unopposed four years ago at the previous convention, meaning they have secured an unprecedented pair of wins in TWU history. Legendary labor leader Michael J. Quill and other transit workers in New York City founded the TWU in 1934.  In total, 78 TWU International officers were declared victorious by acclamation on Tuesday. They are international Vice Presidents, Executive Board members, Executive Council members, and the top five.

Samuelsen said the International’s leadership is committed to maintaining the course it first set when coming into office in 2017.

“We will continue fighting aggressively for contracts that raise the living standards of Transport Workers,” he said. “We will continue fighting aggressively to organize the unorganized, and we will continue to invest in a robust political program.”

The electoral victory came after nearly 600 convention delegates watched a video recounting how the International has helped locals secure solid, no-giveback contracts that, in many cases, are industry-leading agreements. Dozens of delegates then stepped, one by one, to the convention floor microphones to thank and praise the International. Without the International providing financial resources, union staff, strategic plans, and other assistance to their causes, they would not have been successful, they said.

“We’ve have never seen anything like the aggressive leadership that you have brought,” Local 591 President Gary Schaible said. “We were always used to being at the bottom of the industry. We are now at the top of the industry. So, we thank you…”

Earlier in the day, delegates heard from Roland “Rex” Rexha, Secretary-Treasurer of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association; Tony Clark, Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association; and Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO. Delegates also passed resolutions committing to expanding the TWU’s organizing efforts and honoring the union’s fightback legacy.