The president of the city’s largest and most influential transit union has resigned following allegations that he pressured a subordinate into having sex with him multiple times, according to the union, Transport Workers Union Local 100.
Richard Davis tendered his resignation last week, citing health concerns, but his departure comes as union leadership suspended him amid an investigation of allegations of sexual misconduct involving a subordinate at the union, according to a statement put out by the TWU Local 100 over the weekend.
Davis was first elected to lead TWU Local 100, which represents more than 40,000 transit workers, in December 2022. Most recently, he was reelected to lead the union in December. His departure from the union was first reported by The Daily News.
TWU International President John Samuelsen, who himself once led the Local 100 branch, said he suspended Davis last week after an internal investigation found complaints filed by the employee to be credible. The union says it has filed “internal charges” against Davis.
“Based on the report, I have determined that you have conducted yourself in an appalling manner that is detrimental to the best interests of the Union,” Samuelsen wrote in a memo informing Davis of his suspension, reviewed by Crain’s.
Davis allegedly took adverse employment action against the person he is accused of pressuring into sex after their sexual relationship ceased, Samuelsen’s letter added.
Davis did not immediately return a request for comment.
“Our public restraint regarding this matter stems from the potentially serious legal ramifications and privacy concerns for the accuser,” said Alina Felicies, a spokeswoman for TWU Local 100. “We are now moving forward and laser focused on upholding the great legacy of this proud Union [and] restoring confidence within our membership.”
The union’s Financial Secretary-Treasurer John Chiarello will now temporarily oversee the day-to-day operations at the union until its executive board appoints a new president at its upcoming board meeting in February.
Davis has faced allegations of violence against women in the past. In 2023, a lawsuit accused Davis of assaulting a transit worker with whom he was romantically involved. The woman accused Davis of punching her in the head and placing her in a headlock during an argument in 2015, and of attacking her in a separate 2016 incident.
Davis has denied the allegations; the 2023 lawsuit is ongoing.
