Union Vice President Faces Trial Over Personal Conduct Allegations

A vice president of a major transit workers’ union is scheduled to stand trial over allegations that he improperly attempted to discipline a bus driver involved in a personal affair. The incident centers around union vice chairman Gary Archibald and his relationship with another bus driver, Loshana Welcome, at the Fresh Pond bus depot in Queens.

According to union records, union official John Paul Patafio intervened after a union member’s wife, also a bus driver, filed a complaint about her husband’s affair with Welcome. Patafio reportedly urged Archibald to cease his romantic involvement and step away from union duties to address his personal issues privately. However, Archibald subsequently filed a formal complaint against Patafio, claiming retaliation.

The woman involved, Canisha Mitchell, disclosed her husband’s infidelity in a note to supervisors, describing harassment she faced from Welcome and criticizing union leadership for alleged inappropriate behavior. Mitchell also stated that her husband admitted to the affair publicly and refused to relinquish his union responsibilities despite requests to do so.

Archibald acknowledged the affair but defended his actions, claiming that Patafio’s efforts to discipline him were unwarranted. He also accused Patafio of attempting to intimidate him due to disagreements over union endorsements. Union legal counsel recommended that Patafio face a trial for his actions, emphasizing that union rules prohibit such personal misconduct from influencing official decisions.

Union officials highlighted that internal charges have been filed, and the case will be processed according to the union’s procedures. Patafio’s trial is scheduled for this week, with union leadership emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism and integrity within their ranks.