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Transit Union Continues to Threaten Strike
By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 22, 2005
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 22, 2005
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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Are there more chilling words than "subway workers on strike"? The Transit Workers Union is not above considering a strike for its bus and subway workers, because its negotiations with the MTA over a new contract have been moving slowly. The contract talks have been happening since October 14, with a number of issues to discuss (single-person operated trains, token both closings), but the latest thing to upset the MTA is how the MTA has essentially spent its $1 billion surplus before meeting with them. The discounted holiday fares and holiday unlimited Metrocards, for instance, cost the agency $50-100 million; the union calls this effort a way for the MTA to buy public good will, and Gothamist can hardly argue with that. Mayor Bloomberg is warning against a strike, reminding New Yorkers that a strike is against the law, no matter how much you might agree with the union. Mayor Mike: Stop talking and make the MTA and union settle this. This could be your holiday gift to us - and we've technically been good in your book since you were reelected!
And one MTA board member (a non-voting one, though) wants to offer free December 31 rides once again to encourage people not to use their cars on New Year's Eve.
Tagged
bloomberg
bus
gothamist
holiday
law
mayor
mayor bloomberg
mayor mike
MTA
new year
new years
new year's eve
new yorkers
News: NYC
people
strike
subway
The Transit Workers Union
transit
TRANSIT WORKERS UNION
voting
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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