Richard Davis
Davis is a driving force in the powerful Transport Workers Union Local 100, which is widely recognized as one of the preeminent labor organizations in New York and around the country. Never satisfied with the status quo, Davis has relentlessly and strategically worked to improve safety on the job, provide new opportunities for advancement, and enhance the contractual benefits for the hardworking men and women in his union: 42,000 bus and subway workers at the MTA, along with another 4,000 workers in the tourism, student transportation and private bus industries.
His dedication to education and training - so that union members have the tools that they need to succeed in their careers - is unsurpassed. He is a relentless organizer and team builder who is laser focused on increasing member engagement and building unity for the challenges ahead.
Born in Guyana, Davis came to America at a young age. After attending Grady Vocational High School in Brooklyn and John Jay College in Manhattan, Davis joined NYC Transit as a Bus Operator at the age of 26. He became involved in the union, continued his education at the Cornell Labor Institute, and rose through the ranks.
Local 100 members elected Davis MaBSTOA Division 1 Chair in 2004, then Vice President of the Department in 2014. Earlier this year, the Local 100 Executive Board elevated Davis to Secretary-Treasurer, the second-highest position in the union. He also serves on the Executive Committee of the Transport Workers Union of America, representing more than 150,000 workers in the mass transit, airline, railroad, universities, tourism, and energy industries.
His accomplishments include playing a pivotal role in negotiating industry-leading contracts, establishing comprehensive leadership and support programming and building an extensive network of shop stewards, organizers and advocates.
In today’s ever-changing and developing economy, Davis’ consistent development of new leaders, unequalled negotiation results, and dedication to diversity and inclusivity is a model for the transformation of our industry’s future.