The TWU 100 Scams Workers
The New York Public Transit Union has both a legal and a moral imperative to present this offer to the workers and secure a better future for them.
Current Wages of a Carriage Horse Driver v. What City is Offering for Another Job
- Net Pay
- Benefits
Benefits
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Social Security -
Healthcare -
Vacation Pay -
Sick Pay -
Pensions -
Unemployment -
Overtime
Every NYC Mayoral Candidate Agrees: It’s Time to End Horse Carriages
The horse carriage industry is outdated, unsafe, and exploitative. Despite overwhelming support for a ban, TWU Local 100 has launched a misinformation campaign to protect wealthy owners—not workers or horses. Here’s what you need to know.
Setting the Record Straight
TWU’s smear campaign doesn’t just target horses and workers — it spreads lies about the people fighting for change. Here are the facts.
False Claim by TWU |
The Facts |
|---|---|
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NYCLASS was founded to grab stable land for development. |
NYCLASS was founded to protect horses. Its founders pledged never to buy or accept the stable properties — even if offered for free. |
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Steve Nislick is a greedy real estate mogul. |
Steve is a lifelong animal advocate who has rescued horses, including carriage horses bound for slaughter. |
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Edita Birnkrant lies for real estate developers. |
Edita is a respected leader fighting for animals and humane policy — not developers. |
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Mayor Adams was bought off by NYCLASS. |
Adams has never taken donations from NYCLASS founders. In fact, TWU donated to his campaign, not us. |
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NYCLASS is a front for developers. |
NYCLASS’s mission is clear: end the abusive carriage trade and protect horses and workers. |
The Truth About TWU Local 100
- TWU Local 100 falsely claims these are “union” jobs, but carriage drivers receive no protections, benefits, or bargaining rights.
- Many drivers pay union dues but get nothing in return.
- Owners are estimated to have $70M in stable assets, profiting while workers get nothing.
- Workers are misclassified as independent contractors, leaving them vulnerable to wage theft, unsafe conditions, and no social safety net.
- Our research and legal analysis confirm the industry is exploitative and illegal in labor practices.
What the TWU Wants You to Believe vs. Reality
False Claim by TWU |
The Facts |
|---|---|
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TWU Local 100 represents carriage drivers. |
TWU Local 100 represents wealthy carriage owners, not the drivers. Drivers have no union contract, no collective bargaining, and no benefits. |
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Carriage jobs are fair and safe. |
Drivers are classified as independent contractors. They have no overtime, no health insurance, no workers’ compensation, and no unemployment protections. |
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Drivers are treated well. |
Many drivers face exploitation, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions. Owners pocket profits while workers remain powerless. |
A Humane Plan for the Future
Electric Carriages Can Protect New Yorkers, Workers and Horses
While horse carriages are outdated and cruel, there’s a practical solution. The city has proposed to either buy the existing licenses from owners at current the market rate -or- replace them with electric carriages. The proposal has been rejected by the TWU 100, but it offers an ethical and common sense path forward for New Yorkers and carriage drivers alike.
Maintains the carriage industry responsibly
Electric carriages have been successfully deployed across most major cities worldwide.
Protects the livelihood of drivers
Offers have been made by New York City to provide fair compensation and future work for carriage drivers.
Ends the exploitation of horses
Horses suffer brutal working and living conditions, with many reports of abuse, malnutrition, illness and more.
Ensures public safety and legal compliance
Horse carriages present a safety risk to New York residents and tourists, while also harming Central Park with traffic and waste.
Take Action
Your Voice Matters – Stand With NYCLASS
Thank the Future Mayor
Visit Zohran Mamdani’s Instagram and show support for ending the horse carriage industry.
Show SupportReady to Join the Cause?
6 Million New Yorkers and Notable Figures Lead the Push for a More Ethical & Equitable City.
“I’m a life long New Yorker, and this issue has been my passion for as long as I can remember, since first moving to the city in my teens, riding my bike to appointments and stopping on the corner next to a horse pulling a carriage and being punched in the gut looking at their exhausted faces. So many years of this – and as many years advocating for this ban.”
Edie Falco, Actress
“I’m writing not just as an advocate for animals, but as a staunch supporter of unions and workers’ rights, and a longtime member of SAG-AFTRA. I know that you must be getting tremendous pushback from the Transit Workers Union, but I hope you will stand firm on this issue and do everything you can to move Ryder’s Law forward.”
James Cromwell, Actor