An MTA supervisor faces allegations of misusing workplace resources after reportedly installing a personal Tesla charger at the office without approval.
Subway supervisor allegedly misused company resources
A Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subway supervisor is under investigation for allegedly directing workers to install a Tesla charging hub for his personal vehicle.
Reports indicate that he also used an MTA credit card to pay for the materials.
Investigation launched into unauthorized installation
TWU International President John Samuelsen raised the allegations during an MTA board meeting.
He claimed that MTA Inspector General Carolyn Pokorny is investigating whether on-the-clock employees installed the charger at the Linden track shop.
Samuelsen criticized the agency for failing to take immediate action or publicly acknowledge the probe.
“In August of 2020, you sent investigators to Linden shop in Brooklyn regarding the unauthorized installation of a Tesla charging device,” Samuelsen said to Pokorny.
Union leader questions fairness in discipline
Samuelsen accused MTA leadership of inconsistent disciplinary actions.
He pointed out that track workers from the same shop faced severe penalties for neglecting inspections, while the supervisor accused of misusing company resources remained unpunished.
“It’s curious that when hourly workers are involved, you demand restitution and discipline. Yet, nothing was done about the Tesla charging station,” Samuelsen said.
MTA officials respond to the allegations
Pokorny declined to comment, stating that the accused employees are still undergoing disciplinary hearings.
NYCT boss Sarah Feinberg informed board members that she was not yet aware of the investigation.
Workers from the Linden shop confirmed the allegations.
They claimed the supervisor ordered electricians to install the charger on overtime pay for his personal use.
“That plug — they had the electricians on overtime. Paid them overtime to install a Tesla plug for his personal vehicle,” a worker told The Post anonymously.
Ongoing investigation and MTA’s stance
Pokorny’s office refused to provide further details, citing an active investigation and audit. A spokesperson urged anyone with additional information to come forward.
An MTA representative stated that any misuse of resources is a violation of policy and law.
“Any theft of MTA resources would constitute a violation and will not be tolerated.
We are fully cooperating with the Inspector General’s investigation,” said MTA spokesperson Shams Tarek. “We will follow the facts to determine appropriate disciplinary action. However, we will not be bullied into ignoring safety issues as they arise.”.