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This should make for a nice mess.
Of course, a transit strike won't stop dedicated commuters.
By SARA KUGLER, Associated Press Writer
Thu Dec 15, 4:04 AM ET
NEW YORK - As the city's first subway and bus strike in more than 25 years looms, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has some advice for the more than 7 million riders a day who could be affected: Get creative.
"The only thing I can urge you to do is to make plans, try to be inventive, bicycle, walk, stay with a friend," Bloomberg said Wednesday at a news conference as he discussed the city's contingency plan.
The dispute showed no obvious signs of letting up, with the
Metropolitan Transportation Authorityon Wednesday approving a $9.3 billion budget for 2006. Ed Watt, union secretary-treasurer, called the budget vote "disturbing."
"It's an insult to transit workers that they would go ahead and spend the money before they talk to the union," Watt said.
The MTA is locked in round-the-clock negotiations with the Transport Workers Union on a new deal for more than 33,000 members. The old contract expires Friday at 12:01 a.m.
Estimates are that a strike would cost the city hundreds of millions per day in overtime and lost business and productivity. The strike was not expected to affect ferries or suburban commuter lines.
Transit workers want 8 percent annual raises over three years and contend they should get a share of the MTA's unexpected $1 billion surplus this year.
And after the transit bombings in Madrid and London, they also want more terrorism training, saying they feel unprepared to handle disasters. The two sides also are at odds over pension contributions.
The union on Wednesday offered to reduce its pay raise demand if the MTA would promise to reduce the number of disciplinary actions it takes against workers.
The MTA has proposed 6 percent raises spread over 27 months and says the surplus is not likely to happen again and needs to go toward future expenses. Deficits are predicted for upcoming years.
"We are not in a good place," chief MTA negotiator Gary Dellaverson said. "We should be closer now. There should be more progress. And I can't stand here and say that I am comfortable with the negotiations as they stand at this instant."
The agency's budget outlines spending for some of the $1 billion surplus, including $450 million to pay down underfunded pension plans and $100 million on security.
If workers strike, sales are expected to suffer at Fifth Avenue shops and department stores such as Macy's and Bloomingdale's — major holiday destinations in the nation's retail capital. Bloomberg urged tourists not to break their plans.
"If they're going to be in Midtown and staying in hotels, there will be a lot of people on the street," Bloomberg said of a strike scenario. "They may find it a lot of fun and they'll certainly get their money's worth."
A walkout would be illegal under state law, and the workers could face tough penalties, including two days' pay for each day they strike. They could also face fines of $25,000 on the first day that double every day thereafter. Strengthening the transit agency's hand, a judge issued an injunction Tuesday that bars the workers from striking.
Many companies were encouraging employees to telecommute or work out of offices outside the city in the event of a strike. Some were arranging buses and ferries for employees. One advertising agency provided its workers with vouchers to buy new sneakers.
Kisha Smalls, who takes the subway from her home in the Bronx to class in Manhattan, said she doesn't know how she'd get downtown if workers strike.
"I'd probably have to stay home — I hope it doesn't happen but they need their money so I understand," she said.
Thu Dec 15, 4:04 AM ET
NEW YORK - As the city's first subway and bus strike in more than 25 years looms, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has some advice for the more than 7 million riders a day who could be affected: Get creative.
"The only thing I can urge you to do is to make plans, try to be inventive, bicycle, walk, stay with a friend," Bloomberg said Wednesday at a news conference as he discussed the city's contingency plan.
The dispute showed no obvious signs of letting up, with the
Metropolitan Transportation Authorityon Wednesday approving a $9.3 billion budget for 2006. Ed Watt, union secretary-treasurer, called the budget vote "disturbing."
"It's an insult to transit workers that they would go ahead and spend the money before they talk to the union," Watt said.
The MTA is locked in round-the-clock negotiations with the Transport Workers Union on a new deal for more than 33,000 members. The old contract expires Friday at 12:01 a.m.
Estimates are that a strike would cost the city hundreds of millions per day in overtime and lost business and productivity. The strike was not expected to affect ferries or suburban commuter lines.
Transit workers want 8 percent annual raises over three years and contend they should get a share of the MTA's unexpected $1 billion surplus this year.
And after the transit bombings in Madrid and London, they also want more terrorism training, saying they feel unprepared to handle disasters. The two sides also are at odds over pension contributions.
The union on Wednesday offered to reduce its pay raise demand if the MTA would promise to reduce the number of disciplinary actions it takes against workers.
The MTA has proposed 6 percent raises spread over 27 months and says the surplus is not likely to happen again and needs to go toward future expenses. Deficits are predicted for upcoming years.
"We are not in a good place," chief MTA negotiator Gary Dellaverson said. "We should be closer now. There should be more progress. And I can't stand here and say that I am comfortable with the negotiations as they stand at this instant."
The agency's budget outlines spending for some of the $1 billion surplus, including $450 million to pay down underfunded pension plans and $100 million on security.
If workers strike, sales are expected to suffer at Fifth Avenue shops and department stores such as Macy's and Bloomingdale's — major holiday destinations in the nation's retail capital. Bloomberg urged tourists not to break their plans.
"If they're going to be in Midtown and staying in hotels, there will be a lot of people on the street," Bloomberg said of a strike scenario. "They may find it a lot of fun and they'll certainly get their money's worth."
A walkout would be illegal under state law, and the workers could face tough penalties, including two days' pay for each day they strike. They could also face fines of $25,000 on the first day that double every day thereafter. Strengthening the transit agency's hand, a judge issued an injunction Tuesday that bars the workers from striking.
Many companies were encouraging employees to telecommute or work out of offices outside the city in the event of a strike. Some were arranging buses and ferries for employees. One advertising agency provided its workers with vouchers to buy new sneakers.
Kisha Smalls, who takes the subway from her home in the Bronx to class in Manhattan, said she doesn't know how she'd get downtown if workers strike.
"I'd probably have to stay home — I hope it doesn't happen but they need their money so I understand," she said.
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