Post a Comment On: Transit Worker

If you do not allow for a peaceful evolution, you make only a violent revolution possible.

4:08 AM

It's a shame the leaders of the city are more interested in looting the train system's coffers rather than sharing those benefits back with the very people whose labor keeps that system running.

The policies of the MTA towards its workers (and riders) are reprehensible. It takes real courage to strike against this oppressive government, to attempt to bring attention to the importance of treating the workers and all the people in a much fairer way.

This strike is a real inconvenience to all of us, but it's the city decision makers who are to blame for having run the MTA in such an unjust way.

4:19 AM

Two things, there's not going to be a violent revolution over mass transit employees having their healthcare cut, and secondly, if i could meet the masterminds behind this strike, i'd personally spit in each of their faces. I know fifty people at my campus who now cannot return to their families for the holiday season, and are being forced to spend their break in a hotel off campus until the transit system is running again. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves doing something this stupid this time of the year. Every single worker participating in the strike is extremely selfish and short sighted. To pull something so utterly despicable just shows how unions are corroding American society. We understand your concerns, but now is absolutlely not the time for this. Just saying that other people are being selfish for being angered by the strike is an incredibly irrisponsible way to think. One group of people halts the lives of hundreds of thousands. Who is being selfish?

4:25 AM

You guys really have a lot of balls. All you do is drive around in circles. Your job isn't hard at all. You get paid as much as cops and firemen, while much more as teachers. Something is wrong. You're asking for way too much here. Back down and know your roll. You guys aren't as high and as mighty as you thing.

4:25 AM

By going on strike, transit workers do not gather any sympathy from anyone. This strike is an extremely selfish act prompted by irresponsible union officials. I think you all probably deserve the raise but this is no way to get it! When you pledge to be a public servant you do so above your own personal needs. Get a grip! Stop this illegal strike and go back to work and then sit down and negotiate like responsible businessmen and women.

4:32 AM

These jerks have some nerve trying to seek pity. Nevermind the fact that these assholes average over $50,000 per year, base pay that this, never mind the fact that they make more than NYPD Cops, firemen and teachers. They are nothing more than greedy strike-happy jerkers buoyed by leaders fueled by reckless ambitions

4:33 AM

I am thoroughly disgusted with the TWU. Who are you to think you're above the law? Who are you to take well-paying jobs (for your education levels) serving millions of people and then hold us hostage by striking?

I have a 16 month old son who will be taken to day care today in his STROLLER. In 20 degree weather. I am paid hourly and will lose today's salary.

I hope the MTA and Mayor Bloomberg sue you to the fullest extent of the law. I hope you lose every last penny you've saved for your kids and yourselves.

You are TERRORISTS, and you are irresponsible, and you are pathetic. Welcome to life in the 21st century. EVERYONE pays a portion of their health care and retirement funds!

Get over yourselves and get back to work.

4:35 AM

I'll be interested to see what the comments are on this site, and how long they remain up when you're flooded with critical remarks.

4:36 AM

One giant group of people is being treated badly by a very small group of people in power, who are reaping huge benefits at the masses expense.

Doesn't it seem short-sighted to blame the people who are standing up to say "enough is enough!" rather than blame the cushy people in power who created this terrible situation?

There is never going to be a "good time" to do this. If timing were so important, why did the head of the MTA not even show up to the negotiating table before last Friday's contract deadline? Now THAT'S not sounding like responsible negotiating. And of course the mayor and governor are not showing up, either.

Of course, the mayor and governor will be happy to sue the workers, rather than try to improve the workers' conditions.

It seems you are blaming the wrong parties.

4:36 AM

Shut the city down!

Long live workers power!

4:38 AM

Yes, the city, the mayor, the governor and the MTA may not be angels but you guys are just as wrong when you decided to go on strike and affect thousands of people, like that mother who must take her kid to daycare in a stroller in 20 degree weather! I bet you didn't consider her when you decided to strike. Which part of PUBLIC SERVANT did you not understand?

4:45 AM

You go Transit, I love to walk ...and i don't belong to a union so i can't strike...well it looks like i will be working till age 99 with a adult diaper on...hope i don't get FIRED cause of the smell..

4:54 AM

I fully support the unions in this country.

I am sick and tired of corporate greed being the cause of reduced benefits for the Blue Collar Worker.

Stay strong, you have lots of support

4:59 AM

I hope the strikers realize that besides the fact that they screw (and really there is no other word for what they are doing) with the money of the people who were worse off then the transit workers were to begin with, they are actually endangering other New Yorkers lives in this weather?
Everybody will know in a few hours what you actually make. And what you make is a lot comparing to majority of New Yorkers. Your strike is hurting financially the people with daily wages, people who usually have no medical insurance, no pension plans, who usually have to take mass transit because they don't make enough money to afford anything else (and who definitely make less then TWU workers). Luckily, some of them are making your sandwiches. So, I am hoping the TWU strikers will find some spit in theirs and some piss in the beer they drink between picketing duty.
More importantly shouldn't the strikers be charged in criminal court for endangering peoples' lives? My worst fear is to hear that some elderly person collapsed in this cold trying to walk to where they needed to get. People (and medical staff for that matter) will have hard time getting to the hospitals. Even if it's not an emergency, have you thought about people who need to get dyalisis or radiation treatments?
YOU WORK FOR PUBLIC. AND RIGHT NOW YOU ARE TRYING TO MURDER QUITE A FEW OF US!

5:00 AM

when you self righteous people have to go to your jobs and endure people spitting at you,assaulting you, cursing at you and simply hating you for having enough sense to take the test to get our jobs than you have aright to your misguided opinions.oh yeah how about when you go to work, is there anybody taking a piss a few feet from you or maybe some pervert playing with himself. how about your bosses do they write you up for wearing scarves in the winter time or maybe take you off the job because your top button on your shirt is not buttoned? you opinion filled people have no idea what we go through on a daily basis. at least firemen,teachers, cops and even sanitation are respected for what they do. boo hoo you gotta push your baby in 20 degree weather or you going to lose a days pay. our strike costs us plenty, if you were looking at injuctions and fines and lost wages and you strike anyway doesn't that tell you something? i bet you complain when the mta raises your fare also. this is a billion dollar entity who believes its workers are expendable and you look at us in a negative light for our right to fight for respect and dignity? you should feel fortunate i addressed your moronic statements. thank you and good night.

5:08 AM

It's great that the TWU had the
guts to strike. It will be hard
for New Yorkers, but when there is
no other way to get a fair deal, that's what workers have to do.
The TWU takes its stand for all of us. I wish them all lots of luck
and godspeed.

Sookey

5:20 AM

A question to all who condemn the strike should be: would you take this job, at their pay and conditions? If not, why not?

I think we all know the real answer is of class superiority, disparity and complete apathy towards laborers who clearly are not by any means wealthy or close to it. To condemn these people wanting a fair shake for both new and current members is a shameful day in which the next strategy of the government would presumably be to privatize it.

I hope this strike sheds a bit more of light into the disparity between the rich and the poor to mainstream America.

5:25 AM

to all those who try to bash the strikers, remember the city is well aware their actions will indirectly kill citizens who rely on transit for medical needs. theyre playing the law (which you reader may or may not have voted to enact- think about that) because the law allows them to play the whatevertheheck act & say the strike's illegal. its the same bs bush pulls when he plays the law to torture & spy. theres a corporate culture spreading in this country & im afraid this is the beginning of what well keep seeing as the rick keeeep (for how many years now?) getting richer & the worker bees keep ghetting the shaft. the effects of this kind of ignorance & ridiculously biased thinking ought to make americans think twice about who theyre electing to put this system we live in together. but apparently the media cartels keep throwing engineered propaganda up on the tv & the unknowing masses soak it up, never realizing theyve been robbed of their ability to think, and subsequently vote for themselves. the masters of puppets cash in and squeeze a bit more, and no one sees the creeping fascism behind it all.
whats the bottom line here? people we elected arent treating people as theyd be treated themselves. what can we do about it? i dunno, i personally think an honest-to-goodness miracle is the only thing thatll save us from our cultural issues. all i can do is stay conscious of my actions so im living in the solution rather than the problem & pray for a miracle

5:30 AM

Why doesn't pissed off conductor post his salary as well as his benefits and the value of his pension plan for all New Yorkers to see?

And, oh yeah, why does he ask for respect and dignity from commuters now when good half of the conductors don't bother to show it to the commuters?

5:31 AM

Murder? Terrorists? Are you people on crack?

Thanks to people like you, these words only lose the impact of its very definition. Working for the public does not mean inequality. No decent person can argue that the MTA workers are wealthy enough to be considered greedy. If you can't see this, you ought to work in the tunnels that are carelesslt loitered by riders and infested with rats first perhaps.

5:32 AM

this pissed off conductor, what you said is not just moronic.it's beyond moronic. you guys are a whole bunch of money suckers who only want to make more money. of course you DON'T deserve the kind of respect people give to cops and firemen. for the kind of job you do and the amount of money you get paid, hell, NO, you are demanding for respect? this should be the last thing on your to-do-list. and you guys are mean asses, seriously. just think about the way you people talk to customers!

5:34 AM

Only in America can an immigrant from Haiti, one of the most depressed countries in the world, come to this country become the head of a powerful union - and then shut down the city because he thinks he knows best how to run this country. Your union is playing with the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. You agreed to not strike when you became MTA employees. You are criminals - if you are that dissatisfied, get another job. Oops, no you can't because where else are you going to get paid as much for doing nothing? I don't get full pension until I'm 65 - many companies are pushing for the retirement age to go higher - where do you get off demanding full pension at 55? Get real - this is a different world - there are no more cash cows. And don't go blaming the mayor for your ill-timed, ill-considered, egocentric decision - he has nothing to do with this and tried to help you all come to a fair agreement. YOU decided this! Whether you think the MTA deal was fair or not you've lost any sympathy you might have had from me or millions of other people by calling a strike in the midst of a holiday season. You do it only out of pure selfishness as you know this is supposed to be a joyous time, as well as a high tourist time and an important time for commerce - a strike now puts more pressure on everyone to resolve it. This is all about you. I hope your action bankrupts your union - I hope your members know what it is to suffer without money - oh, yes, that's right - you think you do now, poor babies. When you make as much as firefighters and police officers, people who put their lives on the line everyday for this city, there is something very wrong here. Merry Christmas to you? Bah, humbug. I hope you rot in h---.

5:35 AM

Remember the days of war and the Depression, recall the value and demand that labor garnered in serving this country. Technology has not changed this yet, and since the can is loose, go out and show the people how important your services are.

5:36 AM

A few points for union members to bring back to their leadership before this is taken down:

- Public support for the unions will drop like a rock as everyone sees what they make and the raises proposed.

-There will be actual casualties as a result of the unions called strike from: unavailable medical treatment, weather, etc)

- I see the union thinks that a surplus entitles them to higher than market average raises? As opposed to the taxpayers and fare payers who paid for them?

- The long term loss of public support for the union will not be forgotten by New Yorkers who will live through this.

- You have only hurt your fellow New Yorkers with this strike, mostly in our pockets. Do not expect any sympathy when you can not pay your fines.

5:42 AM

FUCK THE TWU, MAY YOU SUFFER ON CHRISTMAS!

5:43 AM

I am sick and tired of corporate greed being the cause of reduced benefits for the Blue Collar Worker

Anyone who supports this strike is a moron. This isn't "corporate greed," these are public employees... the last group of people who actually get a pension.

I'm glad you guys feel like you are carrying the banner for the labor movement. Truth is you are overpayed.

You should all be fired and replaced.

5:44 AM

You suck. How dare you cripple this city and your customers? Why do you feel that you DESERVE more when you can't even do your job and make sure your riders can get to theirs. You are holding the people of this great city hostage by your demands. I hope they fire all of those that walked off their jobs and offer those 47-55K plus benefit jobs to those people in LA and MO who would give anything for the opportunity to provide for their family. You make me sick.

5:48 AM

Majority of the peoeple in NYC and across the nation are not on your site, you are making people's life difficult. I would not sympathsize you because you are hurting the people not the government. Don't you remember what the holiday season is about? It is about sharing joy and care, not creating grief and inconvenient.

I hope everyone involves think hard and long.

5:49 AM

I think Bloomberg should fire every last one of them, dissolve the Union and immedeately replace all striking workers with people WHO WANT TO WORK.

Here is what we New Yorkers pay for???
see link of sleeping MTA workers at craigslist
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/rnr/118832386.html

5:51 AM

It is sad that people notice other people's problems only when their lives are affected? Would anyone, sincerely, go home for the holidays and think of the driver's problems if the driver's did not go on strike? Would you even mention them?
So, just let them do what they have to do to be heard and to embetter themselves. Everyone in this world should be treated better but it seems like the ordinary people have to take drastic steps just to be noticed. And to the person who thinks that the drivers' work is easy - can you even imagine going in circles constantly? Their job is as important as any other public servant's job - if it wasn't it wouldn't make anyone upset, would it?
To the drivers - I wish you all the best and hope that this matter will be resolved as soon as possible, of course benefitting you. And you ARE public servants but NOT public slaves. Stay strong...

5:52 AM

Problems??? They drive a god damned bus or train...and they make quite a bit. What problems do they have?? And if it's so bad they should go find another job, oh that's right...they are stupid, don't have an education and lack the basic skills necessary to advance. Oh hell, they might as well strike since that's all they have in their bag of tricks. Pathetic. No one supports these assholes, you must have married one of these jackasses.

5:55 AM

i wish everyone affected the best regardless of their position & i think wishing anyone suffering's pointless & counterproductive

5:57 AM

Let's install robot trains! No workers needed!

Fuck you MTA. Uou greedy, uneducated tools make me sick.

There are toll booth workers making 70!

That's an attrocity, when NYC teachers don't even make 1/2 of that!

Maybe if you went to college, you'd understand economics better and realize your services are worth MUCH LESS than the city pays you.

Shut up, quit bitching and DO YOUR JOBS.

They might NOT be there when this is all over.

5:59 AM

Idiots -- There would have been no problem with continuing to sit at that table for 10 more days or 10 more months. You sit in the hierarchy like some maniacal leader of people and decide that the best course of action is to take out your grievences on the people of New York and then have the nerve to ask for our understanding. How about this for understanding -- Shove it up your ass.

I hope that Roger and his friends go to jail for a year and rack up so many penalties that the union itself is thrown into bankruptcy and the members are personally responsible for their penalties essentially cutting their pay by up to 35% per paycheck that gets paid back to the city. Plus, the pension fund will dry up and all those retireies who thought they had the good life go on welfare. I hope that's what happens.

And while Roger is in jail, I hope he meets a nice gangster who got busted jumping a turnstile who takes out his frustrations on Roger's posterior.

Yeah, actually I really hope that happens. Your negotiators are a bunch of jerks and your membership is a bunch of idiots and none of you deserve crap. I hope you all get fired and hired back to non-union positions at a fraction of the pay.

Roger, please please please choke on something today.

5:59 AM

I'll spit at you from now on!

6:00 AM

conductor -- there would have been nothing wrong with continuing to negotiate rather then holding me hostage. I never spit at you.

dick

6:00 AM

you people are selfish jerks. thanks for putting your customers in danger, making them walk to work in the cold a couple of days before the holidays. i heard that's a really good way to earn a raise.

6:07 AM

Good luck guys! I am going to have to bike to work in 20 degree weather, but I'm still behind you one-hundred percent. Why isn't any one saying they want to spit on Bloomberg or the MTA? They are the one's causing this. If they'd put forward a reasonably offer, the TWU wouldn't have been forced into this end-game. I applaud your conviction in this era of weakening unions.

6:09 AM

The actions of the union are nothing but irresponisble and selfish. The demands made in the talks were far from realistic and in the light of ever more expensive health and retirement costs absolutely shortsighted and... as a result... nothing short of stupid.
There are reasons transit workers are not allowed to strike. And when they take these jobs they willingly accept these rules. They have no right to strike! It is as simple as that. What angers me even more is the strategic timing of the strike, even postponing it past the weekend to achieve the biggest chaos possible. Holding the city at gunpoint and now, with the strike, hostage, is purely criminal and I sure hope Roger Toussaint and his crew will be held responsible. When I am going to try to drop my 14 month old son at daycare today and use the 6 train, TWU tells me I have to walk for 1 hour though freezing cold weather because they are on strike. That is a minor problem compared to ambulances and police who might not get to help someone in need on time due to the increased traffic. I hope then it will not be one of the people on the receiving end of the troubles of this strike, but the criminals who initiated it who suffers the consequences.

6:10 AM

I hope Roger Toussant gets syphilous and dies

6:11 AM

Have fun striking, you jerks. I guess you should try and earn as much as possible before your jobs are automated anyway. isn't that sad? your jobs are automated on the L train. shouldn't that one still run then?

6:11 AM

To the mother who must walk with her son in the cold...We all have to do what we have to do...My son has to figure out a way to get to school but is he crying?? NO because he understands that his mother is doing what she has to do.To those that feel this strike is an selfish act on MTA employees parts I say you are the true selfish ones only now thinking about how you'll get to work or around the city when any other time you take us and our duties for granted. It seems actually it is obvious your unappreciativeness towards the people that get you from point a to point b on a daily basis regardless of most circumstances. Belive and trust we do feel bad and apologize for what many of you will feel and for the inconvience our actions may cause but I will not apologize for doing what I can to make a better life for MY CHILDREN and MYSELF and if it means at this point to inconvience the people of NYC then so be it. Why are we the selfish ones?? Why should we work for month or years with out raises. Yes I took this job because of the benefits it affords and I am glad for the most part that I did it serves my purposes for the life I choose to live despite the indfference,mistreatment and disrespect that has been meted out to myself and my coworkers.But I'll be damn if after the opportunity arises to make the things that should/could be/get better better will I apologize. Please please try and understand the reasons for a event that has been long long long over due.

6:14 AM

I'm reading the comments and am truly offended by some of them. Some of you complain about the union workers and what they make and how YOU wished you were making their salaries. Quite simply, take the test. (yes, there are tests for all of the different titles in transit) get hired and see what you will be in for. It takes YEARS to get certain days off. Holidays? Forget about it. The people who work there know of the TRUE greed by the higher ups of transit. The mismanagement of pensions is just the tip of the iceberg. Just do a search about a building LEASED at 2 Broadway. Almost $700 million dollars to renovate a building they don't even own? What about the $200,000 toilets built for managers while the employees get to use the wonderful rusting, smelly ones shared with bugs and rodents? Come on now, MTA workers will be fined and will feel the pinch just like you. They also have kids and families (yes, the poor uneducated slobs have families, just like you) who will be hurt and not be able to get around. How about blaming a company who came to the table with a billion dollar PLUS surplus and didn't want to bargain?

6:14 AM

C'mon, there's no just strike, it's just a strike. You want to gain respect from this selfish action? Go back to work!

6:18 AM

May Toussant die.

6:23 AM

It's really inconvenient that I can't get to school today. However, I support you. You have to do what's right, so don't pay any attention to that (words I can't use here) MTA and the mayor.

6:24 AM

TO MZMTA

I am not crying, my 14 month old might, but thats one of the very few functions of a kid that age, so nothing too bad. I am his dad anyway, not his mom, but what do you know. Yes we rely on you. Because you took a job and made a promise to fullfil it! Like we rely on doctors, firemen and police! Yet they do not let us down like you guys do. They have a sense of duty, while you are nothing but a bunch of looser! I am sure many of you guys will be replaced with people who do know what responisbility really is.

6:28 AM

Totally amazing how many purely selfish 'Anonymouses' there are out there polluting this blog with their foul-mouthed rubbish. Why bother to understand the situation, just curse at people instead!

I always marvelled at the wall murals in Port Authority station depicting a time when New Yorkers wore hats and dressed well. There was a time when New York chose to be cosmopolitan, witty and smart, not surly, violent and crass.

With displays of hate like these, I would say the real terrorists are the ones spewing their vitriol at the Union...

America grows sadder by the day...

6:29 AM

TWU is just a bunch of selfish scumbags...

LISTEN UP, ASSHOLES: IF YOU WANNA MORE PAY, GO GET A F**KING COLLEGE DEGREE!!!! DON'T SACRIFICE THE INTEREST OF THE WHOLE NYC FOR YOUR OWN SAKE!!!!!

6:38 AM

Go, go guys!

We are with you all the way to the MTA headquarters. Your rights are our rights. Don't allow them to break you no matter what. I will certainly look for the nearest strike gathering and join you in your/our fight. Your dignity is our dignity and life without dignity is not worth living. Don't give up and keep your head high.

6:39 AM

this is absolutely rediculous. the transit workers of this city make far more than most of the people would have to ride it. how are those people supposed to get to work. a taxi ride costs about as much as a days work for so many people. i don't know what else to say - i have to leave soon and start walking anyway.

6:39 AM

To all the transit workers who are on this blog and out in the freezing cold on the first day of winter - I hope that you understand the severity of your unlawful strike. If you don't like how you are being treated in your job - quit. You get a great salary for sitting on your asses doing nothing. I was told recently by a transit cleaner that she did not know directions and that she was not supposed to give them because if I got lost I could sue the MTA! UNBELIEVABLE. I know that in a job if you don't know the policies of your company and cannot answer questions asked of you by clients and vendors-you will get fired.

Transit talks about taking "a test", Conductor, well, I am sure that the test you took was curbed because of your below lint intelligence. Let's get this straight, people. The transit workers in NYC are comprised of white trash and minority people who still think of themselves as "slave material". What this strike comes down to is really white rich management against the minority union - next they will start playing the violin and screaming the race card. I bought a monthly pass-who is going to credit me for the days you lazy bums stay off the job?

You transit workers deserve a kick in the rear end and firing from your jobs. To think that you would send old people, infirmed, disabled and pregnant people into the cold, 5 days before Christmas is outrageous. You sure don't deserve a raise for it. We NYers who ride the transit system pay your great salaries and terrific benefits. You should be on your knees thanking God that you even have a job in this rotten economy...yet you still have the gall to tell us you are being disrespected? LAUGHABLE. Get back to work morons - The people of the tri-state area are NOT behind you unless you mean to kick you in the butt.

Come to think of it, don't come back to work - people are going to throw up on you when you do.

6:39 AM

Why doesn't anyone from the TWU post the actual demands, the current contract, and current benefits and salaries (of workers and TWU bosses) so the public can make up its mind about whether to support the TWU or not? I don't doubt that the MTA is a terribly run organization. The incredible budget swings from surplus to deficit year after year suggest terrible mismanagement of the organization. Then again, there seems to be an incredible amount of waste. Upgrades to the subway system take forever. Construction at stations is "in progress" with no-one working for weeks at a time. When there is construction, half the workers are standing around rather than doing any work. I don't doubt the value of transit workers, and a lot could be done at the MTA to improve management and oversight to make better use of available funds, but a strike hurts millions and mostly the poor. It's just not fair to those individuals at the bottom.

6:40 AM

Fire everyone, I mean everyone in the union and hire people who go to work EVERYDAY!

6:42 AM

Its not the strikers screwing you sudden walkers today, but the executives who started this turdball thats rolling downhill & landing on you.

6:45 AM

you are reprehensible to do this at this time of year.

6:46 AM

I think you just pissed off 7 million people.

Everyone understands that you want more money and better benefits. That is not lost on us. But how would you like to have your fire and police protection go on strike? You cannot have it both ways. If you are a vital part of the city like police, fire workers and teachers, you should realize that there is a reason for the law against you striking.

So now this fight seems to be little more than you wanting a bigger slice of the surplus pie.

You know what? I hope they take that surplus and buy robots to replace all MTA workers.

6:49 AM

How quickly 'anonymous' writes in to rant. As I'm from the same family, I'll respond.

"Terrorists"(?) Haven't you learned any other words from the ideas spoonfed you by your television? "as much as cops and firemen"? Do some research. A first year cop in NYC makes very little money. Why? He or she was SOLD OUT by their union. The teachers took an awful contract as the budget is balanced on the altar of taxcuts and 'war on terror'.

The TWU, of which I am not a member, is refusing to saddle future employees with the greed of the double booked MTA. They have taken no pay increases for a couple of years and now want a share of the surplus.

"spit it the face" "50 people on ...campus" "unions are corroding American society" Take a history class. And practice saying: "Do you want fries with that?" In Chinese.

The moment your precious spoiled American lives are inconvenienced you immediately blaim the worker, maybe he or she is a different color, maybe you're in a fancy college (working your way through, I'm sure), maybe - for now - you have an office job and can afford to take you child to daycare. There is a poem that starts:

First they came for the trade unions

As you spoiled brats obviously have internet access, use google and see how it ends.

6:50 AM

You really blew it this time, Toussaint. Not only are you causing inconveniencing many commuters--not including myself since I WALK to work--you are also financially destroying the employees you ostensibly represent.

If any good comes out of this, it will be that NY and the rest of the country will realize just how irrelevant the unions have now become.

6:52 AM

I have no sympathy for the union. None. Unions are designed for people who have done nothing to lift themselves up economically, allowing them to cry, "poor, pitiful me". Why should I pity you? You knew before you accepted your jobs what the pay would be, and what the working conditions would be like. You took the job with eyes wide open, so why should I feel sorry for you now? ....I'm glad you're striking, it gives the country another reason to hold contempt for unions. Most of your union jobs are going to China anyway, thanks in part to your outrageous demands. I've been in the workforce for 20 years, and have a B.S. degree from a major university, and only recently did my salary catch up to my brother's, who has a union job. Hooray for the union? I don't think so...his factory is closing and its production is moving offshore, where wages are cheaper. Wake up, America. Every time this happens we ALL lose.

6:52 AM

You really blew it this time, Toussaint. Not only are you causing inconvenience to many commuters--not including myself since I WALK to work--you are also financially destroying the employees you ostensibly represent.

If any good comes out of this, it will be that NY and the rest of the country will realize just how irrelevant the unions have now become.

6:53 AM

Does anyone know where the strikers are in Brooklyn? I want to join them in their fight. If anyone knows of locations in Brooklyn, please post them here so that we can show our support for the workers.

Bless you in your struggle, workers!

6:53 AM

The MTA has a one billion dollar surplus.Why do they continue to insult Local 100 mebers by offering them the minimum numbers of 9% over 3 years when they can do much better! The interest alone could improve the lives of the workers and there families. The general public needs to understand that the workers did not want to stike ther hand was forced by the MTA. They work in very dangerous conditions every day 24/7 in all kinds of weather underground and outside. While the average new yorker is in there office drinking hot coffee transit guys are outside freezing there butts off so you can get to work. Support Local 100 in there fight for decent wages and benifits because they help new yorkers every day 24/7.

6:54 AM

How irresponsible and selfish. Words can not even describe the unesssary anarchy you have cast upon our great city. Perspective? Your salary is comparable to those of our emergency workers and far more than our teachers. How would you really feel/react if those chose to strike? Additionally, your salaries are likely far more than the poor and elderly who absolutely rely on public transportation to get to their low-paying jobs and/or get to their pharmacists / doctors. For the greater good - Get back to work while talks continue!!!

6:55 AM

Sometimes a strike is the only way to get the attention of the bosses. Good luck to all the workers, and I hope for everyone's sake the negotiations are started again.

6:57 AM

To MZMTA:

First, you have to go back and learn how to express yourself correctly in the English language. Too many run on sentences that make you sound unintelligent and unable to speak well. Spell check works wonders and it is amazing how you got a city job in the first place.

Secondly, the reason why people spit at you and your co-workers (if they do-I've never seen it, even though I felt like doing it several times) is because transit workers on the whole are nasty towards riders. They never answer a question because usually they do not know the answer.

Third, tell you son that he should not tell his classmates that his mum works to transit - he may come home with black eyes and broken bones.

Now, my transit experiences have never been too bad because I know a lot of transit people and are friendly with them. I know that some of them do not agree with the union yet are forced to go out on strike or be turned against by their brother/sister members. The MTA surplus does not belong to the union - it belongs to the people who ride the trains to improve the subway system. Granted the subway needs a lot of work after all it is over 100 years old, however, it took a downhill plunge when minority blacks first started to work in the subway back in the 70s. Before that the subways were very efficient and clean. If you want respect, be courteous to people, dress in your uniforms with being sloppy and looking like homeless people; only then will you get the respect you so desperately seek.

Lastly, MZ, I gotta tell you, this strike does not bode well for you and your members. Unions have been infamous for putting dues in their pockets and ignoring membership problems. If your union goes under, you will not have a job to count on, nor benefits to make you and your family comfortable, and with your education you may be jobless a very long, long, long time.

7:00 AM

How PATHETIC! The MTA has a $1 billion surplus. Ok, I understand they have the affordability to negotiate with the union for a better deal. But the fact alone they have the money is NOT causation for a better deal. That is greed in and of itself-and sad at that in lieu of the holiday season. MTA wants to raise the full pension age from 55 to 62, and rightfully so. Just look at the retirement age for the typical American worker. Also, MTA workers earn between $47,000 and $55,ooo a year! Outrageous. Such a salary would cause one to think they were accountants.
Already, the average salary and retirement age are SUPERIOR to that of the typical blue-collar worker. Take a worker for the city of Philadelphia for example. On average, I would estimate the annual salary rests in the $35,000 to $45,000 range with retirement coming no earlier than 60 years of age. Requesting any greater figures is absurd, greedy, and disrespectful. They should be ashamed of themselves. They think not of the New Yorker at the most important of all travel times, but of themselves getting overpaid. Bah-Humbug!

7:04 AM

Anonymous said...
[...]
There are toll booth workers making 70!

That's an attrocity, when NYC teachers don't even make 1/2 of that!
[...]

Actually, the starting salary is more than half that. Do some research if you want your argument to have any weight.

7:05 AM

You sure do have a B.S. degree, and science isn't the second word. You watched your standard of living degrade since the 80s and you continue to believe Ronald Reagan's lies. Unions are only irrelevent because Americans study history by watching American Idol.

So when we're all paid the equivilent wage as a worker in China, will we be given free housing (they are in China). Will rents be rolled back to the price of an apartment in a New Delhi slum? Are you looking forward to the same health services that are available to Nikes workers in Vietnam? Don't worry, there will be a TV show about Mike Bloomberg where he gets to see a doctor regularly.

7:05 AM

Assholes

7:06 AM

To the Guy with the BS degree at 652am posting. I have a BA degree from Hunter college and have worked with the MTA for 20 years. I have friends who also have degrees that have worked for the MTA just as long. Sure you have no sympathy for us because it's taken you a long time to reach our salary: But who's fault is that! Not the hard workers of local100, just you! get a grip on life and stop being bitter at you own lack of motivation. at least we take action when we want somthing thats the difference between us and everyone else. people who want somthing out of life grab for it and take action they don't sulk arouind like you. Nobody said life was easy so take the high rode before you insult the hard working men and women of my union local 100

7:06 AM

thank you for your leadership, roger toussaint. your union is raising the bar for ALL of us! keep up the struggle. i support TWU 100%.

7:09 AM

Bad Deal! The TWU should be grateful for what they have as 25% of this city continues to live below the poverty level, while union workers live the life. While most New York Blue Collar Workers are only asking for a fair and decent wage, the transit workers ask for superior wages, benefits, retirement monies and the like, and have no idea how good they have it. Being greedy and always wanting more is a poor and undesirable trait. And to do such a thing around the holidays is in such bad taste, where the city and the hundreds of thousand small business owners, million school children, teachers, college students, healthcare workers, firefighters, police, and all other people, in addition to the city's transit workers, who make this city tick, will have to scramble just to get their work done. What a very selfish union! How sad for those who don't want to strike and are forced to, and will be without work themselves while the union carries out this unsavory mission.

7:13 AM

500%

7:14 AM

Unions should be outlawed. They have outlived their usefulness and are now nothing more than "legalized" blackmail. If you don't like your job, quit! This is what the vast majority of americans do. I hope they fire all of you!

7:15 AM

Shame shame shame on all you TWU members.

Wake up and get with reality, this is USA in 2005 and not communist North Korea.

Wow, I wish my company would give me the benefits you want to get.

You break the law, you force me to stay home and lose my pay. When my kids ask me why our Xmas is miserable I will have to explain that some selfish Grinches at the TWA union decided to mess it up for all New Yorkers, and when for Christmas. Couldnt you wait.

SHAME SHAME SHAME. I have no sympathy for ANY OF YOU and I hope that you all LOSE tons of money and go into bankruptcy.


SHAME ON YOU

7:19 AM

To the graduate of Hunter College with 20 years experience, etc...
You are so full of shit. Your union local 100 is nothing other than a knock off of what unions truly are (or at least were decades ago). You should be ashamed. So what, there is a $1 billion surplus. Surely it is not because of your "dedication" to the job. It is because officials of MTA worked their ass off to achieve better margins. MTA workers city and nationwide are known for their ignorance to the common traveler. Not that the simple fact of being an asshole should take away from the negotiating table, no I agree-you should have a fair negotiation. But considering you make nearly $20,000 more base pay alone than most hard working Americans (ones who put in more time and effort), you deserve at best an offer below what has been presented. I can't even leave it at that. No, I must note the fact the those already employed are not having their full-pension age changed, rather only for new employees. And the change is proposed from 55 to 62. Wow, imagine that. You would actually work almost as long as everyone else has to in this world. And you even receive full pension, which I might add is hard to achieve for most blue-collar workers.
You make me sick. Earn your pay and go back to work you greedy assholes.

7:20 AM

DISRESPECT???

If Mr. Roger Toussaint feels his workers are so disrespected, he should publish a list of his members' current salaries and benefits and see how much additional support he can get...

7:20 AM

To Mr. "How Pathetic" an accountant would tell you to learn the difference between Gross pay and Net pay. Net pay is when the average transit worker brings home Half of that so called $47,000 salary you believe he gets and has to pay his bills!! So you try living off of $23,000 with 3 kids and a wife and mother in-law!!!

7:20 AM

The Union is going to lose BIG TIME! 34,000 workers vs 7,000,000 NYer's looks awefully arogant. I hope the unon gets fined multiple millions of dollars. The union members will regret this strike, as any gains they may make by holding the city hostage will have to be paid many times over in the form of HUGE fines imposed on them for ILLEGALY striking.

7:21 AM

Here is a question for those who are bitching over transit workers complaining about making 50k a year? How much does the MTA executives make sitting on their asses smoking cigars and living a lavish lifestyle. You must think that because most transit workers are Minorities, they should be happy with what they get working their asses off, having to deal with rats, riding millions of passengers a day. Its funny that all spokespeople in the media against this strike is white. Coincidence - I dont think so.

7:23 AM

Great job you guys! It is nice to see some workers still have some backbone! I just read the AP article on you guys--what propaganda. You have every right to strike, and anybody that is jealous of your salaries and benefits should be striking along with you. The City and People of New York owe you, and everyone else, a decent wage, not just the a**holes on Wall Street.

Striking is an American tradition, and it is the only reason we have such a strong country. We need more of it.

7:24 AM

SHAME SHAME SHAME. GO TO HELL TWU! GO TO HELL!

7:24 AM

The members of the Transit Union are all an obvious bunch of COWARDS. Each and every one of you should be ashamed of yourselfs. If it were possible, I would enjoy seeing ALL of you lose your jobs. Your failure of a President has some incredible nerve to ask all New Yorkers to support them. He is a looser, and all who follow him are loosers too.

7:26 AM

To the respondant of "How Pathetic"...Actually, an accountant would laugh in your face because you typically pull in 70% of the gross: leaving you with approx. $33-39,000 net you moron. Most blue-collar workers who actually work harder and have more to deal with financially make that amount gross.

7:27 AM

I believe anyone striking who began working before the Taylor law was enacted might have a legitimate claim to strike. For the 99.9999% of the rest of you, I hope the courts come down hard. It makes me long for the good old days. During WWII, FDR told striking transit workers in Philadelphia that they would no longer be considered essential war effort personnel and would be immediately eligible for the draft. The strike ended the next day.

7:27 AM

You've lost my support. Stay on strike as long as you like--I hope the City/State of NY hold out. You're greedy and you've screwed the people of NY this time. -RICK

7:28 AM

The selfishness of the Transit Workers Union--particularly when we all know how much money the members make and the benefits they already enjoy compared to most people in the private sector, including most people who depend on them everyday--is a scandal. To strike at this time of year is unconscionable. I hope the governor nails you guys to the wall.

7:30 AM

How do I get a job like this and get a great pension and allowed to retire at 55?

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/rnr/118832386.html

7:33 AM

To the post of "Here is a question for those who are bitching over transit workers complaining about making 50k a year?"...
Again, causation of one does not give rights for specific behavior of another. "Just because Matt has a candy bar doesn't mean Mike should too." That is communism you asshole. And if the workers happen to be monorities, yes they should be happy with what they are getting--which is MORE than the majority of American works including firemen, policemen, and teachers (those who make up this great--well, once great--nation). And for your comment about the anti-strike commentators being white: obviously you are of minority background. And I am not being degrading at all, frankly only you are by bringing such a comment in.-of which is sad. It just happens to be a white male/female dominated role in the workplace, nothing more. Just like the majority of financiers are male and not female-same comparison.

7:33 AM

This isn't just a strike for New York's transit workers, it's a strike for all of us. We suffer nationwide from an erosion of the benefits that our parents and our grandparents took for granted. Suddenly, we are being asked to pay for our own health insurance, and to take from our own wages to pay for retirement benefits.

It begins at 1%, then 2%, then 10%, and now, many workers across America have 50% of the cost of their health insurance automatically deducted from the wages that they worked for and earned. So many of us stand by and watch, powerless, but the New York Transit Union does not.

The number of uninsured Americans grows every year. Social Security is suffering and corporate lobbyist budgets grow and grow, along with the defecits of our governmental bodies. If powerful unions such as ours in New York do not step up and show a voice, over time we shall all be coaxed gently into a stupor, believing that health care and the right to grow old dignified are a luxury only for the rich. Is that America?

What do I say to this strike that will put boots on my feet and send me walking through the cold?

Bravo! is what I say. Bravo! for those with a voice and the courage to use it. Bravo! for those who speak for themselves, and in doing so, speak for me.

7:35 AM

If a Union cant strike whats the point of paying dues?

7:36 AM

I just saw Bloomberg walk on the Brooklyn bridge. Maybe he will know now how I feel when I walk because I can't afford to pay the MTA subway fare. To those who are attacking the workers, do you remember the two-book scandal of two years ago? Do you remember MTA's lies about the lack of profit when they were making huge profits? What did the politicians in NY do to stop them from raising the fare after their lies about their profits? Nothing! FYI, the MTA is planning another rise in the fare and you better thank TWU for fighting for you (spoiled brats) and I do pray that they manage to stop this rise.

Long live the workers!

7:36 AM

Ass kissers, no integrity, submisive bitches, lazy, media inspired, jerry springer, hockey watching people who attack those fighting for their rights are usually the one who gossip and brown nose their way in too jobs.

7:37 AM

Go for it, I wish the city could replace all transit strikers.

And something all you TWU jerks seem to forget is:

YOU ARE BREAKING THE LAW

Now please TWU, explain to me why you are so special and allowed to break the law.

7:38 AM

Please get back to the bargaining table! The strike is killing me and my small business! The MTA is irresponsible, but to take it out on us is reprehensible! You need to make some concessions!

7:38 AM

To the striking workers:

You are all a bunch of self-centered, greedy sheep who deserve to be fired. Yeah, you're "sticking it to the man," but you're hurting millions of your fellow New Yorkers in the process. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

7:40 AM

Making it illegal to stike is communist

7:41 AM

Blame the MTA for this! You brown nose idiots?

7:42 AM

To the guy who "can't afford to pay the MTA subway fare"....yeah, and how can you pay for online internet services? Moron

7:42 AM

FUCK the union

7:43 AM

I appreciate many of your concerns regarding the contract negotiations, but striking, though may prove a point, hurts more people than it helps.

My annual salary is less than half than the lowest paid transit worker in the system, and now I am going to lose at least one if not more days of pay due to the strike.

Thanks for that - and happy holidays.

7:44 AM

Finally,

I am glad that the TWU Local 100 is on strike. It is time for the Union to Stand Up Together for fight for a common cause. Better Benefits and a slightly better wage increase. I was a very disheartened employee of the MTA NYCT for over 11 years. After the Union folded over at the last contract, I was compelled to leave and find employment with decent benefits and no Gestapo management over my head.

I support those who are doing their strike duty and shame on those who aren't.

Many Blessings

7:47 AM

A TWU strike at any time only serves to burden the public, not the MTA. Even more important, striking is illegal. But to strike at this time of year is unconscionable. Even assuming that the MTA has acted unfairly and that the TWU has a valid position (which is a large assumption given that the pay and benefits for its members are apparently higher and better than for any other union or union member anywhere in the US), at a minimum, the union could have waited until January 2nd to have gone on strike and made pay and benefits for this period an element of its claims. The biggest threat to this country comes from groups like these which seem unconcerned with the havoc their actions will cause. If you're dissatisfied with your wages, there is an option besides completely burdening 7 million other people . . . find a new job.

7:48 AM

Our family stands with the union. There are many people who can't or refuse to see beyond their noses and fail to recognize that there is a stake for all workers in your struggle -- especially those who don't have unions.

The Taylor law is un unjust law, that deprives the workers of the only weapon they have to defend their rights. Only repressive regimes resort to such laws. It was once legal to own slaves, too, and slaveowners had the full legal system on their side against those who challenged them...

Good luck to the union.

Fran, Queens


Best of luck to you.

Fran, Queens

7:49 AM

The Transit Workers Union are performing Domestic terrorism on the city of New York for no other reason than to satisfy the greed of the Union Leaders.

The fact that the MTA may have a surplus does not automatically qualify the union to take that surplus. The MTA has a long way to go to bolster their ridership and improve services and that all costs money which won't be possible if that money goes to the workers.

The average union worker is far better off than many New Yorkers and this is a prime example of Greed-Lock not love for your fellow New Yorker.

The only benefit is that as a result of this strike and the result of many having to think more creatively more people will find and embrace non-transit means of working such as telecommuting, corporations using reliable private sector transportation, etc.

Too bad the poor workers in the city will now be losing valuable needed pay at a time of year when that pay is so important as many try to provide little "extras" for their families around the Holidays.

Both the MTA and the Transit Union are saying a big "Bah Humbug" to the residents and workers of NYC.

7:50 AM

Merry F*cking Christmas, you selfish f*cks!

7:51 AM

I had at first had sympathy for the Union's cause but upon hearing the min and max and average wages - and the fact that you refused arbitration, I have no sympathy for the Union. This is extortion during the winter and holiday season to boost a negotiating point. Many people far worse off than the union are suffering. Get with reality and recognize that 90+ % of people in this area will never be able to retire by 55 and that pensions across america are going to default. Sad state of America, yes, but unfortunately the rest of us are in the same boat with retirement age and pensions. Your going to loose public support on this one. You want my support back - go to an arbitrator.

7:55 AM

New Yorkers stand by the TWU!!!!

HOLD STRONG!!! WE can do it together!! Thank you for leading the fight against a decrease in pay and health care benefits!!

This is important for ALL of us and New York is PROUD of TWU for standing up for themselves and workers around the world....

7:56 AM

Why are there MTA workers on this blog??? why aren't you out there fighting w/the rest of your brothers/sisters of the TWU?? You are taking your fight out on the very people that pay for your salaries and benefits! The sad part is, many of the TWU workers I know don't support this strike! You voted for this foreigner to be president of this union, now live with it! This is a selfish act and your only hurting the economy of this City!

7:57 AM

Thank you for having the courage to stand up for your rights in the face of mass adversity. The reason we even have jobs that are inconvenienced by a strike of mass transportation is due to workers like you. Be strong and thank you.

7:57 AM

I think that EVERYONE is selfish.

there is such an amazing lack of even an attempt at understanding. one side thinks they are right, another side thinks that they are right.

there is no solution.

perhaps we've lost sight on what runs this city - and what we take for granted.

when the subway fare went from 1.50 to 2 dollars, where did all that money go? when the fare hike went into effect, i asked some workers if any of them got a raise, of course not.

students panicking about their exams and everyone else protesting in their small little fishbowl reality, without recognizes that everything is connected.

we are all in it together.

i admire and respect the courage of the union.

i don't care how this strike affects the economy. we've become slaves to this american god and have been since we were born.

what i feel terrible about are the other hardworking people of this city who have to lose their day's pay, and have to walk in this cold weather with their children, the people who have to go to the doctor, and so forth.

people everywhere are tired, perhaps instead of hitting your head on the wall trying to make today work out like every other day like a robot, you might do everyone else a favor and try to slow down + relax.

7:58 AM

The union is shooting itself in the foot. How can you think this is the right thing to do? I cannot believe you would be that foolish. I hope you all lose your jobs. There are plenty of hard working people that will gladly take your place, for even LESS money and benefits than you make NOW...forget about your increases.

7:59 AM

screw the twu and all it's members. i hope your kids have a miserable christmas and that you all lose your jobs. all you union jekrs is more money, more money. you don't give a damn about the people who pay your wages...you know the riders who don't get raises. you get rich, we get poor.

7:59 AM

simple, you gotta do what you gotta do!!!!
yes "the police and fire dept. worked without contracts for months, years" as Governor Pitaki said, does he see that he actually took advantage of all those unions? Where is the mayor or governor when the MTA raises the fare on US? When they have two books? when the MTA just does not respect the worker! I don't mind doing a little walking, this will be a great opportunity to begin that excercise routine. We all know NY needs it.

8:03 AM

as a transit rider with a family I support the strike!!!!! its about time americans woke up and stand up for their workers rights!!!

8:03 AM

For those who feel "outraged" at the salaries of the union workers:

If union salaries drop to non-union level, then non-union salaries will fall to Taiwan, China and Bangladesh levels -- at New York City cost of living!

If union pensions are undermined, it will be the poorhouse for the rest of us.

Even when they don't represent us directly, unions at least establish a standard for us to look up to.

Don't fall for Bloomberg's, Pataki's and Kalikow's lines. They don't care about you. They only care for their rich friends.

8:05 AM

Why dont you union fucks look for another job if you dont like it.... wait, you cant cos you have NO education.

Give me a freakin break, you are pathetic. I have no sympathy for you law breaking jerks.

Yes you are breaking the law you stupid ignorant fucks

8:06 AM

Now who's really a sheep here... those who are in it all day & see what's really going on- or those who are reacting out of anger because they don't see the bigger picture.
All you whiners out there think about your kids' eroding rights.
Oh, & I remain anonymous because it seems ridiculous to give personal information away as my personal information has no correlation to the content of this debate.
This registering thing on the web's another peeve of mine. Plus its quicker.

8:08 AM

COCKSUCKERS!!!! THANK YOU MTA SCUM FOR RUINING MY FUCKIN DAY YOU FUCKTARDS! YOU SHOULD ALL BE ARRESTED!!! THE FUCKIN NERVE OF YOU PEOPLE FUCKIN UP EVERYONE'S TRANSPORTATION!!! WHERE DO YOU FUCKERS COME OFF!!! AND TO THE MAYOR, SOME FUCKIN CONTINGENCY PLAN YOU GOT THERE! WHERE ARE ALL THE NON-UNION WORKERS TO TAKE OVER TO RUN THE TRAINS AND BUSSES?!?

FUCK THE UNION AND FUCK YOU!

8:09 AM

To all the pathetic, selfish anonymous crybabies worried about Christmas. Go to the refrigerator, make a sandwich, and take it outside to one of the thousands of homeless people that got evicted from the subways (their home) last night. Our beloved Mayor has NO Contingency Plan for them. He's to worried about MONEY.

8:10 AM

Ha! MTA workers my ass, I am from Philly... Why are there suits on this blog? Go back to managing your stupid companies and making BIGGGGGGGGGG profits for yourself.... selfish prick...

And for the record, I know a bunch of TWU workers and they ALL support this strike. It isn't even a question. And I will bring out this card, the MTA workers in New York were there for US through everything New York has gone through - (September 11th anyone??)

NEW YORK HOLDS STRONG THE TWU!!!

But September 11th isn't even the issue here, living wages for a tough job and good health care benefits are!!

HOLD STRONG!

8:10 AM

AFTER READING SOME OF THE COMMENTS POSTED ON THIS PAGE, I CAN UNDERSTAND WHY THE UNION IS ASKING FOR MORE MONEY, THEY DEAL WITH THIS NEGATIVE, EGOTISTIC, SELFISH, AND JUST PLAIN RETARTED ATTITUDE 365 DAYS A YEAR! GOOD LUCK!

8:11 AM

Fight for what is right. MTA has gone to pieces since the Bloomberg administration.

-2 Fare Hikes
-Cooked up Books
-Mystery surplus
-Train lines without conductors
-More machinces, less booth tellers; farewell saftey

and the big one...MTA cries about being broke.... but accepts a much smaller bid from the mayor to build a stadium for the Olympics, instead of the very handsome one offered by Cablevision

MTA NEEDS TO PAY UP!!!

8:12 AM

To all you TWU fucks, you signed up for a job that prohibits you to strike - you are breaking the law.

If you can read, take a look at http://www.goer.state.ny.us/cna/bucenter/taylor.html

If you dont agree you shouldnt have signed up for the job.

Jerks

8:12 AM

I hope all of you lose your jobs.

8:14 AM

Unions throughout the country have been bullied in that last 5 years. If it was up to big companies - we'd be paying sweatshop wages and back to locking the doors of factories. OSHA wouldn't exist... I hope that this doesn't last long for the sake of the transit workers who are being fined, the weather working against all of us, and the people who will be walking, driving, carpooling to work...

And, yes a good point is made- for all of those on here who are against the strike - why don't you work for the MTA? If it doesn't take brains and they have it so easy with good pay, then it's a dream job right? Wrong... most customer service based jobs are hell in many ways... and the subways and buses are no exceptions. There aren't that many jobs where at some point you may find yourself saving a man who was just stabbed and pushed into the tracks, finding a dead body in the tunnels, or a ton of other problems.

8:16 AM

Are you workers NUTS? Retirement at age 55. Only government related jobs ever have such a benefit. It is funny how government employees think it is perfectly OK to have everyone else pay inflated fees and taxes so that they can retire at age 55 when the vast majority of non-government workers have no such option. If everyone had the benefits the TWU has prices for everything would be twice what they are and the whole economic system would collapse.

8:17 AM

What's fair? Is 2% a year raise fair for a cost of living allowance (COLA)? Is 3%?

MTA board members are wealthy millionaires sitting on a $1 billion dollar surplus. They are not one time events. Next year, the surplus will balloon to $2 billion. A $1 billion dollar surplus divided by 35,000 employees divided by an overhead factor of 2 = $14,286 per employee.
Divide that by $55,000 avg. salary = 26%.

26% is what the MTA can afford. Over three years, that's about 9% a year. That's how much the MTA can give out. The union is asking for 6% (which to me seems high but reasonable). If you increase the profit to you're bosses trememdously, you ask for a raise, stock options, a bonus. TWU and ATU can not receive ANY of those incentives. All they get is salary increases and promotions.

The price of housing went up 100% in 4 years (25%). Food went up dramatically. Energy prices even went up 100% in 2 years. Almost every facet of living in the NYC has gone up. Middle class people can't live in the city anymore. It's not a living wage.

NYC Transit operators are the LEAST paid in the tri-state area.
PATH operators get more, NJ Transit operators get more, Metro-North operators get more, LIRR operators get more. YET, NYC is the highest in cost of living with the least amount of pay. That is simply ridiculous.

I believe, that the TWU and ATU would accept 4%, 4% and 4%. Currently, the MTA is offering 3%, 4% and 3.5%. Hopefully, for the sake of city, I believe that the MTA can settle this by offering the union 4%, 4%, and 4% (touching nothing else).

Let's see we're talking about 1%. 1% x $55,000 = $550 x 35,000 people = $19.25 million per year x O.H. of 2 = $38.5 million per year.
Or about $105,000 per day.
The powers that be are willing to COST the city $400,000,000 a day to skimp on paying transit workers an extra $100k per day.

Even though it's an inconvenience, 90% of the people can still make it in. Walking, bicycling, carpooling, skateboarding, taxi.
People are very adaptable.

You tell me, is 3% average increase fair? Or does the average worker feel, they are losing ground, year by year, as they get their 3%.

8:18 AM

Typical of the over paid, under utilized unions of New York State. One of the reasons I left years ago.
Every union employee striking, which is illegal, should be rounded up, thrown in jail, and fined to the highest levels allowed by law.
START LOOKING FOR REPLACEMENT WORKERS. NORTHWEST AIRLINED DID IT!!

8:21 AM

The TWU President is a jerk off. Go back to work you lazy fucks.

8:22 AM

Just want to let you guys know you have my full support.

I normally commute an hour from Brooklyn to Manhatten to get to work. I ride the subways in total for 2 hours a day and I can't stand it!

You guys have to deal with being in that dank whole of a subway all work day and during your commute home!

Everyone can now see what a vital part of this city you workers are! You deserve to be treated with the dignity you deserve!

And now with NYC at a high terror alert and transit systems under threat, you guys put yourselves at risk everyday. I would feel a lot safer if you guys were trained to deal with an emergency like that.

According to the New York times the average worker makes $47,000, but the average house even in the most ghetto neighborhood is half a million!

What you're asking for is what any respectable person deserves; the ability to feed and raise thier family in this ever more expensive city.

8:22 AM

The reason people are not as mad at MTA, as they are at the Union leaders, is that the Union rejected their last contract offer instead of continuing to negotiate or go to arbitration. Also most people understand that life expectedly is going up so raising the pension age for new works just makes logical sense. The surplus should be spent on improving communications systems incase there is a terrorist attack. The workers have a good point about the Mta punishing people too harshly for minor infractions, but that wasn’t even an issue in the contract talks and could have been settled in arbitration.

8:23 AM

WHY HASN'T ANYONE DISCLOSED HOW MUCH THOSE MTA OFFICIALS MAKE A YEAR OR HOW BIG THIER SALARY RAISES ARE?

8:25 AM

have we all forgotten how currupt the MTA is with thier double-books? And thier so called "deficits" that keep turning into surpluses, and then deficits again when they want to raise the fare.

8:27 AM

I am very proud of you for standing up for yourselves. All of the self-serving idiots who take advantage of your services can finally understand how valuable you truly are. I commend you, and wish you each a happy and safe holiday. If everyone would follow your lead and stand up for their rights as citizens, this country would be in a much better place.

~Natalie

8:27 AM

Let's get to the TRUE heart of the matter of this Strike . . .

This strike was caused by three major factors:

1) Pataki's Prisidential Aspirations - He's looking for ways to make it to The White House. True, Conservative Republicans do not support candidates that "back down" or show le-way (sp) towards Unions.

2) Money - This one is defininately a no-brainer. A $1 billion surplus is too much money on the table to ignore. It was the MTA that cried broke on the last contract only to have Alan Hevesi & co. uncover THREE sets of books. The TWU nor the public have forgotten this. Why not, in the interest of fairness, "spread the wealth" amongst the workers that truly move this city? Why not give the TWU workers 18% in their contract just like the other City agencies have received?

Finally, and I REALLY hate to go there, The Race Card - Let's be realistic, if the TWU workforce was comprised & led by Whites & Italians instead of "a foreign President", Blacks and other minorities, this contract would have been settled in good faith months ago with an impressive wage package and more = 10%, 10%, 10% - GUARANTEED!

Now, that this strike is now a reality, I hope that the city finally sees the MTA for what it truly is - an evil empire! As an afterthought, if this strike happens to get to the magnatude of Federal involvement, stand by.

SOMETHING HAS TO GIVE! SOMEONE WILL EVENTUALLY BLINK!

8:27 AM

The reason people are not as mad at MTA, as they are at the Union leaders, is that the Union rejected their last contract offer instead of continuing to negotiate or go to arbitration. Also most people understand that life expectedly is going up so raising the pension age for new works just makes logical sense. The surplus should be spent on improving communications systems incase there is a terrorist attack. The workers have a good point about the Mta punishing people too harshly for minor infractions, but that wasn’t even an issue in the contract talks and could have been settled in arbitration.

8:29 AM

You workers have a tough job- you have my support! Best of luck!

8:29 AM

Sticking with the contract expiration deadlines (or as close as possible) is important. All the municipal unions that accepted work without a contract in the past, haven't seen a timely contract in over a decade (like the teachers, the police, etc.) Sometimes they work for two or more years without a contract.

The city knows that if they hold out on those contract negotiations long enough, any deal will appear much sweeter than it actually is.

It's a negotiating tactic that works only in favor of management.

TWU is right to stick to a deadline.

8:29 AM

To think that the workers should be thinking about your personal holiday shopping, your trips home and to work show just how unappreciated and invisible the workers of this city are. They are fighting, not only to keep their benefits for the people who will eventually be hired, but also for all working people who's benefits are cut, a living wage for the workers that run this city, and an annual cost of living increase.

It is you who should be ashamed to think your personal selfish needs should be met before the consider their own.

The reason people have been in the habit of saying that "no one gets a 6% increase", "everyone nowadays must put in a huge percentage for benefits", and that "no one gets to retire at 55" is because people have not been fighting for the future working class, nor themselves. Unions have been excepting contracts that weaken their power in the long run and given their newest workers no protection. Workers have been forced and have grown accustomed to being denied the bonus and benefits the higher ups receive. We SHOULD be paid good salaries, receive benefits and get to retire when we still have the time to enjoy life. We are workers who are always given scraps from the bowl and yes this must come to an end.

I am really glad TWU went on strike-- and no I am not a transit worker nor do I know of any personally.

8:30 AM

"We understand your concerns, but now is absolutlely not the time for this."

Anonymous writer-- do you hear yourself?

8:31 AM

I am a transit user and Staten Island resident with no car.

I support you 100%

We need transit workers who are not worrying about basic issues such as health care, retirement, or how they will pay for their kids tuitions.

We need a solid middle class workforce in NYC.

8:33 AM

Illegal,
It was illegal for women to vote.
-That was changed after many women were arrested protesting that.

It was illegal for slaves to be free.
- That was changed after the entire nation plummeted into a civil war.

It was illegal for abortions -leading to millions of unwanted babies
- That was changed.

It was legal, to dump barrels of toxins right behind peoples residences - that was changed.

Just because it's legal or illegal, doesn't make it right.
The laws will be changed at a later date.

8:33 AM

Why would any of the MTA workers want to "find a new job"? Where could they find a job with the pay and benefits they are already receiving?

Workers that think it is horrible that they pay some of the cost of their health insurance and retirement have absolutely no clue what these things cost. Ans then to demand that they shoulf be able to retire at age 55, they are out of their minds.

Why do you think systems like Social Security are struggling like they are? Social Security was originally designed as an "insurance" program that offered p[rotection to those turning 65 at a time when the average life expectancy was 62. The benefit age remained the same (65) as the life expectancy increased. Simple economics say this can't continue without significant increases in taxes. Now the TWU wants to maintain full benefits (including health coverage I would assume) at age 55. It is a recipe for disaster. Ask General Motors.

If there is a huge surplus at the MTA, how about lowering fares so those that make much less than the TWU employees can keep a little more of what they earn?

8:33 AM

Thank you, union, for holding the line against the cruel trend of depriving future workers of much needed benefits. Your courageous action will have its effects all over the country. Thank you, again! [Ohio supporter]

8:35 AM

you've got to pull this shit during the holidays, when it's 24 degrees out? you suck, the MTA sucks. you've had how long to hammer out a deal? way to ruin a city's holiday season, you selfish, greedy assholes.

8:37 AM

Hey,
I was very glad to hear the union in america were not dead.

I am not fully aware of the interest engaged in this battle. But I know that when workers decide to take the strike options, there is absolutly no other way to go forward on the negociation.

I whish good luck for all the striking workers, that risk their job fifgting for their rights and the rights of their fellow workers.

And to all the individualist, self fish and greedy people that cannot understand that the action of strike is essential to balance the power within a company, I wish a good and long way to work by foot or bicycle. Enjoy it.

Think about the environment when you do so:) you will feel a whole lot better.

julien, cannes, France.

PS when you think about how us workers are treated, you should be striking all year round

8:38 AM

Unions are bullshit and are so pointless. Rewarding people based on tenure instead of hard-work breeds the laziness that is so common in the typical union worker.

8:39 AM

i also live in ohio , work at a non-union company, and guess what? we have no say over anything that goes on
and the vice president of the company himself uses scare tactics to keep us from orginizing, i think we could learn alot form the workers

8:39 AM

Hey where are all the TWU picketing? On TV I just see max 10-15 people picketing

You lazy fucks, get back to work. You're breaking the law (and please dont give me that BS about women couldnt vote or slavery - you want to change the law, do it lawfully).

You lazy sick fucks, you signed up gto serve the PUBLIC.

8:41 AM

This is great!.. This may help America wake up! America/New York may actually deserve this strike, so people learn that the world is not anymore what they thought it is!

8:41 AM

I was hoping that you all would take the PR high road and "for the good of the city and the New Yorkers we serve selflessly each day...." postpone the strike until after the busy Holidays. But I suppose that you felt it was more likely to be effective at this time of the year. I am normally supportive of strikes and feel that most corporations have to be forced to do what is right for their workers but I think the timing of this action will work against you.

8:41 AM

Go back to work.

8:42 AM

You should all be ashamed of yourselvesfor being so incredibly greedy and selfish. A surplus has NOTHING to do with your wages at all. Your salary is already more than enough (cmon 45k to clean adn 55 to sit in the booth and be rude???), and a benefit package that is better than almost everyone in the country. As a designer of the new subway projects, why does the subway operator make more money than the designer? Its because your overpaid, and theses strongarm mafia tactics will come to end. Strike all month if you want, I hope they train another group of people that can actually appreciate a very good, well-paid job and fire all of you that strike. Now grow up!

8:42 AM

While I am all for everyone getting a fair deal this strike will help no one and I hope that Pataki takes a leaf out of President Reagan's book and like his handling of the air traffic controllers strike (who also thought they were invincible) replaces all of the lazy, impolite MTA employees who have put this city in finacial jeaopody. Unfortunately, Mr. Pataki enjoys significant dollar support from the TWU so, once again, the ordinary citizens will suffer whilst all of the 'players' in these strike negotiations work on their hidden agendas for notoriety.

8:42 AM

I support you guys! Thank you for taking a stand for the working families!

I don't know about you, but I don't want a 62 year old driving my train or bus!!!

8:43 AM

You should all be fired. Immediately. If you're unhappy with your pay/benefits, get another job! Maybe you should have thought about this before deciding on a career as a bus driver!!!!!

8:45 AM

Ha, do you know what I just realized?? All these negative comments against the strike are coming from one IP? It's one dude posting over and over again!! Wow, the shame...

8:46 AM

MAKE SO MUCH???

FOR ALL THE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT TRANSIT MAKES TOO MUCH, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR SALARY OR HOURLY WAGE TO COMPARE.

Please include bonuses, stock options, car, and percentage of commission of sales you make.

That way, we can compare. You know how much they make, how much do you make?

8:46 AM

Up until today I was very supportive of your Union. worked hard. did a good job. I can't believe the poor judgement in calling this strike. I will support the longest jail time possible.Biggest fines possible.Zero tolerance.I don't care how long it takes

8:47 AM

YES STRIKE!!!

Have we been so well conditioned by the corporate and political power elite that we don't see who's really at fault here? Maybe, we're afraid that our posts will be traced and we'll be targeted as suspect of the "T" word.

When the greedy power companies allowed our great city to go dark, because of irresponibly managing the growing needs of our nation's power grid, no one got angry. No one said, "They sucked our utility payments for years, line their pocket lavishly and still we have power outages!" We all said (under the Governmedia's watchful mouth), "New Yorkers are strong and resilient and understanding. We can pull together and handle this." And we did.

Real NYC'ers know that if you can't stand up to The Man here, you can't do it anywhere. We set the example for the nation. New Yorkers tell smokers, sweatshop owners and the like that we will stand with those who oppose oppression and unfairness. That's not a statement of arrogance, but of fact. The world is watching New York. Will they again be disappointed to see that fat pockets trump the rights of the working masses? Are we going to let the corporate crooks, who spread wars, torture and abuse in the name of profits, spin more lies and buy into them because it's just easier?

Show your toughness, resolve and support for righteous indignation. Show the world that we are not all asleep or high on the drug of indifference. We are not all pacified by the Governmedia's constant pounding of "Tonight a man was killed..." followed by "Tom Cruise got his teeth cleaned..."

Maybe, the union should have put the face of a White Jewish lawyer at the front of their cause. Then see what Bloomberg and the wealthy New York elite would say. Yes it still exists in America and we all know it! Many of the MTA workers that we see are colored people. How easy it has become to look at them as the folks who serve us and only exist for our convenience. That was once the view primarily held by European Nobility and Southern planters. It is evident that those sentiments have not gone down with Dixie.

Let the trains and busses grind to a halt. Let the silence of the tunnels give way to voice from long ago. A time when the word Labor touched the hearts of Americans, instead of a another word for the work of someone beneath me. Perhaps the cold air will invigorate your revolutionary sensabilities.

Power to the People!!!

8:47 AM

Yeah baby, how do I get a job where I can cripple the city, break the law and sleep in my booth. Oh yeah and retire at 55 and get pay increases.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/rnr/118832386.html

Lazy sickos

8:48 AM

The TWU is acting shamefully. Public support is eroding rapidly...

8:48 AM

jail time for standing up for your rights? are you american?

8:48 AM

Indeed there are two New Yorks: the one of those who deal with the complications of the free-market system, and the other which must rely on thugs like Toussaint to extort from the MTA [and hence, the taxpayers] benefits that are often elusive to many in the private sector.

NOTA BENE: Many in the private sector do NOT get paid overtime, and most do not have the LUXURY of retiring at age 55. There can often be other benefits, of course, but the TWU should be more realistic about this issue. At a certain point, fighting on behalf of the employees begins to harm those same employees.

By the way, does anyone actually know Mr. Toussaint's salary?

8:49 AM

Listen. Someone mentioned a couple of posts ago, that there were 2 rate hikes, and now there's a mysterious 1 billion dollar surplus. Where's the mystery? Talking about raises as if the workers were somehow responsible for this new profitability? People get raises because they directly impact new profitability or because they get promoted. Generally, annual raises are pinned to inflation...not 6%. Secondly, comparing the $100,000 a day to pay for the workers' raises vs. the $400,000,000/day lost by the city is ridiculous. They are totally independant from eachother. Perhaps the city didn't think the Union would be so rash and irresponsible to walk out. Plus, have you ever noticed that when an entity earns a profit, it sometimes saves money for emergencies instead of immediately spending it?
P.S. Getting full pensions at 55 is the best I've ever heard outside of a "protect and serve" job. And (gasp!) paying a few percent per year towards your retirement?!? My God!!! That sounds almost...Normal!

8:49 AM

We pick on the TWU now, but whats next? Sanitation makes too much? then maybe teamsters make too much? Then Carpentars, then electricians?

Hell lets disband unions all together!! The only people who deserve to make enough money to feed thier families or send thier kids to college one day are people with college degrees. (sarcasm)

8:50 AM

Hard situtation.

Way too much vitriol in these comments.

I have no sympathy for the MTA -- a foolish bunch of cronies, who make bad deals and can't seem to manage cash flow -- I just can't believe how they swing from crying deficit and raising fares and then getting a surplus and wasting it on giving discounts rather than using it to make capital improvements (busted elevator, anyone?).

The union should give up on fighting for retirement at 55. That just does not fly in 2005.

Everyone - employers and employees ) are getting pushed to the all by the cost of health benefits - concessions by the union are reasonable here.

in exchange for those, the union should stick to its guns on higher wages, and should play up the fact that they took 0% raise in the first year of their last two contracts.

also -- stop talking about the $1B surplus this year. It just makes you look short-sighted. Issues like retirement and health care costs are long-term costs for the MTA.

8:52 AM