NYC Transit Strike Superthread
 

As you may have heard, the Transit Workers Union went on strike against the Metropolitan Transit Authority today at 3:00AM.

What this means is:

- All Subway service is CLOSED and not running.

- All City buses are NOT RUNNING.

- Certain Streets and highways are subject to HOV-4 restrictions. This INCLUDES Taxis.

- All of Manhattan below 96th Street is subject to HOV-4 restrictions. There are checkpoints and they will turn away cars.

- Alternate side parking is suspended.

- Taxis are running on a zone and multiple pickup system rather than the usual farebox.

If you are traveling to NYC today, be aware that:

- Traffic jams are huge and widespread throughout the city.

- Most businesses are open, but check with individual attractions to see what their status is.

- Last-minute hotel rooms will be difficult to find.

- Last-minute rental cars will be difficult to find.

- If you are flying into NYC, you will need 4 persons per taxi (including the driver) to enter Manhattan below 96th Street during rush hours. Yes, they are turning away taxis at bridges.

- JFK Airtrain is not affected by the strike.

- The Long Island Rail Road and Metro North are running but are severely overcrowded.

- NJ Transit is running.

- PATH Trains are running.

- There are few road restrictions above 96th Street in Manhattan.

Official City information and updates can be found here (includes official contingency plan):

http://tinyurl.com/cz4du

NYC Local news with Strike updates:

www.ny1.com

ttt

It is my understanding that the HOV restricttions are from 5 am to 11 am. Is this correct?

HOV restrictions (and no commercial trucks or vans) are ONLY from 5AM-11AM weekdays entering Manhattan below 96th Street.

In the new today they showed Bloomberg walking the bridge.

And a subway station - empty, only one guy with packages walking down the stairs and shortly after that walking back up - probably on request of the filming crew :)

Are the taxis running on metered fare or negotiated fare? What an opportunity for rip-off, are they using it?

I feel sorry for everybody who has difficulties getting to work. I remember the BART strike in SF when my son was out of work for 3 days - didn't have a car, and couldn't find anything to get him in the city.

my God, you poor people. I rely on public transportation and have no car too, I'd in pretty tough shape if there were a strike here, good luck guys.

It's a major problem for the city as a whole, but I'm one of those maniacs who bikes almost everyplace, so it's just another day in the life...

We NY'ers will be fine. By nature, we're excellent at routing around problems.

heres the word from the inside...

streets are very quiet. there are cabs, and they are supposed to have a "fixed" fare of $10, with the inevitable scheme by some drivers jacking up that price. i shared a cab from right outside m building this morning. it looks like the traffic outside the city, was the worst in years. some 2 hours from queens.

the mta to my understanding is asking for an 8% raise each year for 3 years. this strike is an illegal action. they already have a surplus. this certainly is not realistic, or relative to other industries and their pay raises.

we are all just trying to get to work.

i particularly feel badly for the nyc teachers and nurses, who will not ever see the rewards (union or not) they deserve.

i read that the union was asking for a 8% raise. They were offered a 4% raise I believe, and the Authority backed down from the demand that the pension age be raised.

this is an illegal strike which will undoubtedly hurt working people that commute into Manhattan for lower paying jobs.

I saw Bloomberg's latest press conference and I completely agree with him. Breaking the law and causing massive chaos during the busiest season is not the best way to negotiate.

I took a taxi this morning and wasn't aware of the fare rules, but was not ripped off. Fare rules are:

$10 per person w/in one zone

$5 per add'l zone (zones are below 23rd; 23rd - 60th; 60th - 96th; above 96th in Manhattan. All other boroughs are one zone. So to get from 95th to 27th would cost $15.)

$20 flat rate to/from LaGuardia
$30 flat rate to/from JFK

I'm arriving Thursday afternoon to JFK. Have hotel reservations for a couple of nights of shopping before going to CT. Should I chance being able to get a cab at the airport or book one of the services which take several times as long...Any ideas?
LMF

I think on of the car services online may be a better option this time.Just make sure there are at least 4 people,although usually they fill up a van.

The 4-person eruirement apparently doesn't apply in the afternoon.

Just to clear a few things up: the HOV restrictions that are in place M-F from 5am to 11am south of 96th Street are only in effect to get INTO Manhattan. Once below 96th Street, if people are dropped off, cars are free to stay even with less than 4 people per car. These restrictions are also in effect on major roads and bridges and tunnels west bound (i.e., toward Manhattan) such as the Triboro and Queensboro Bridges.

The last offer from MTA was a 3 year contract, 3% the first year, 4% the second, and 3 1/2 the third, an extra paid holiday per year (MLK Jr. Day). The MTA backed down and said new hires can retire at age 55 but would have to contribute 6% per year for I believe 10 years toward health insurance. TWU, without even making a counter-offer, walked out and voted to strike, which they did at 3am. It should be noted that of the TWU people on the board, 8 voted NOT to strike, 5 abstained and the rest (28?) voted to strike. The parent union of TWU was AGAINST the strike and essentially told the local TWU they are on their own and will not help pay the penalties, which, for the union, are at 1 million dollars per day. The penalties for the individual workers who strike are set at $25,000 for the first day and it doubles each day the strike lasts (the last one lasted 11 days). It is illegal for the TWU to strike and the penalties are severe, but, the union and it's members knew this when they accepted jobs working for the MTA.

The MTA is not blame free on this either. They refuse to give more than a 3 year contract, putting us through this potential nightmare every few years. They also seem to miraculously find tons of money after a new contract is ratified thus, the TWU does not trust them and has reason not to. They have a 1 BILLION dollar surplus this year and are still crying that they need to raise fares for future deficits.

The subway system is an excercise in ineptitude. The subways alone get an average of 4 million riders per day, that's 8 million dollars PER DAY, somewhat less on weekends and holidays, so figure an average of 6 million dollars per day, and they still can't run an efficient system. Signals, tracks and trains constantly break down and delays are commonplace. This says something about both the management and the workers.

For those of you visiting NY, welcome to my world. :-)

"""The MTA is not blame free on this either. They refuse to give more than a 3 year contract, putting us through this potential nightmare every few years

laurie, most people don't have a three year job contract.

GoTravel, you are absolutely correct but the subway and bus systems are the life blood of this city and a strike literally paralyzes us. The MTA knows the potential for a strike exists every 3 years and can offer a longer contract. I used to work for a union here in NYC and there were times when 5 year contracts were offered. In light of the importance of moving this city, they could give in on this one. There is plenty of blame to go around on both sides.

Another thing about the MTA, why do they wait until the last minute for negotiations, especially when the contract expires a week before Christmas, knowing there will be many tourists here and that retailers make their money the week before Christmas? Why didn't they start negotiations months ago? Perhaps this is the fault of both sides, I don't know and at this point, I'm too disgusted to care.

I've done some reading about this since the strike seemed inevitable last night.

I understand that the union was disappointed with the counteroffer, but they walked away from the table.

Like GoTravel said, how many people get 3 year contracts? I understand that being a union worker entitles one to add'l job protections, while most of us work in the private sector in employment at will states.

Public sentiment seems to be very much against the union. They really overplayed their hand and are losing in the court of public opinion.

In the NYT there are reports of many low pay workers (hourly employees who don't get paid when they don't work) not being able to go to work due to the union's selfishness.

Also, what happens if someone has a heart attack and every minute counts. If EMS can't get through because of the resulting gridlock, and it takes longer to get help to these people, people will die. Did the striking workers ever think of that?

I don't think public sentiment was ever with the workers. Anyone who rides the subways on a regular basis generally has no love for either the MTA or the union. Most of the people I know think they are lucky just to have jobs because they are so inept.

Bloomberg said this isn't affecting EMS response time, although that seems counterintuitive.

I don't live in NYC, although I ride the subways when I visit. I agree that the workers are pretty surly to say the least.

aren't transit workers surly just about everywhere?

I live in NYC in the borough of Queens but I don't depend on the Subway or Bus for work because I drive to Long Island. Anyway, I support the workers and the stike. The MTA is raising fares yet don't want to give the people on the front line a pay increase. The last fare hike we had in the city 2 yrs ago was 25% and another fare hike is coming up real soon.

The MTA chairman who's doing nothing but sitting on his butt making stupid decisions and getting 100's of thousands of dallars a year should give up some of his pay.

What I'd like to know is why the huge last fare increase? Day passes increased from $4 to $7. Bus fare from $1.50 to $2.00.

And, you can not pay on the bus with dollar bills, for heavens sake, but must have exact CHANGE. How ridiculous is that?

The transit workers were offered a raise that was 3% one year, 3.5% another year, and 4%. That is a lot more than a lot of people get.

I read that the average employee makes $50k/year. Not bad considering that there jobs aren't brain surgery. Especially in contrast to the paltry salaries that teachers make.

Bottom line is that the union really blew the situation and have ended up losing any support that they might have had. Costing the city millions of dollars every year (including business owners) is not a good strategy IMHO.

Sorry, I meant millions of dollars a day. Too many glasses of pinot grigio w/dinner will do that to you!

I don't know about the rest, but I am responsible for my own "retirement", and it won't be anywhere close to 55, or 62 for that matter. Most folks doing such unskilled work would probably be fired and outsourced/insourced in similar circumstances. Privatize the service, bust the union, and get people moving again.

We survived day one of the transit strike; tomorrow shall be another challenge.

I lived through the 1967 transit strike, through the 1980 transit strike, and I'm sure I'll survive the 2005 transit strike.

If you are a tourist in the here and now, you will survive too. But for heaven's sake, dress in sweater layers, use chapstick, wear gloves, use face conditioner, wear comfortable walking shoes, stop occasionally where possible in order to rest, etc.

How and when will it end? Who knows. The first strike lasted 12 days, the second lasted 11 days.

The first two strikes ended because the union and its workers simply beat the City and the MTA into submission. My prediction: the same thing this time.

If you are a tourist, look for a transit fare increase when you next visit, maybe sooner. The signs, as you know who said, are everywhere.

But whatever you decide to do, do visit us. You are welcome here!

I don't claim to know the ins-and-outs of this particular strike, but I support the MTA workers, and unioned workers in general. They do the dirty jobs that no one likes to do / aren't necessarily easy to do, and must be protected. Come on, for those of you who DO <u>regularly</u> take public transit, you see what the bus drivers and subway train operators have to deal with! People are insane and these drivers have to work in high stress circumstances all day long. I feel for them, at least based on what I see all the time as a passenger.

On the other hand, when LA's transit employees last struck, my husband lived in Inglewood and went to undergrad at USC and didn't have a car, so he was reliant on public transit. He ended up having to ride his bike home after classes at night (11pm or later some nights!) through South Central LA, an 11 mile ride. Scary!

The MTA workers make a lot more than many other hourly employees in NYC (maids, retail workers) that weren't able to go to work today due to the MTA's selfishness.

The TWU was offered a fair deal by the MTA. The union turned it down and called an illegal strike, with no counter-offer and no further negotiations. That is not fair bargaining. The NYC police, the NYC teachers, NYC firefighters and others have gone without contracts in the past for several years and they never called a strike. And they are skilled workers and the police and firefighters in particular have dangerous jobs but they never walked out. When I worked for a union, we once went without a contract for three years but never struck. We understood that people depended on us doing our jobs. The TWU walked out after their contract expired 4 DAYS earlier. They are unskilled for the most part and if they didn't work for the MTA, would probably be earning half what they are getting. I understand the need for unions and agree that workers deserve a fair contract but the TWU got a fair contract and are now just trying to prove a point that they have leverage and power and can bully the MTA. I hope they don't succeed. I have no great love for the MTA but in this case, they did offer a fair contract.

I find it odd that the people who support the strike are ones who do not ride the NYC subways and buses. Most of us who do ride them to work on a daily basis and see the ineptitude of the workers do not support it.

I know I'm dating myself here, but remember what Reagan did when the air traffic controllers went on strike all those years ago? They were all ordered back to work or they would be fired for non-compliance.I don't know if Bloomberg has the authority to issue that kind of ultimatum, but if so, I say fire the lot and hire some folks who would be very appreciative of a decent job. Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah to all!

I was wondering the same thing about firing the workers for non-compliance. If anything, it would much easier to hire replacements in this situation.

There was an article this morning in the Times interviewing some of the striking workers.

Here is a direct quote from one:

&quot;It's just proof that the city is really not concerned about the public,&quot; said Antonio Trinidad, 35, a subway booth clerk. &quot;This is about Macy's, it's about Bloomingdale's, and it's about the tourists.&quot;

It seems that the workers aren't concerned with the public who is having to walk miles to work in cold weather. Also, if Macy's or Bloomies don't make money or tourism dollars don't flow, then there are no jobs or tax revenue for anyone.

I don't usually hang out on this board but I knew there would be a thread on the NYC transit strike. Having been forced to join a union while working in the now defunct Proctor &amp; Gamble plant on Staten Island during my college years, I learned first hand about the pluses and minuses. For the record, I am pretty much against unions - they served their purpose at one time long ago but now they've gotten out of hand. I think the private sector is starting to recognize this - hence the changes going on in the airline and automobile industries.

So...I've been following the strike with much interest. My gut feeling is that the MTA and the state will cave and not only will the TWU get most of what it wants but the MTA will pick up the cost of the fines as well. This is very sad - in the good ol' days, public service employees received enhanced benefits (pensions, health care etc.) as a reward for their loyalty and for working at wages that were substantially lower than private sector employees. Obviously, this is no longer the case and the situation will be exacerbated when the MTA gives in.

I hope I am wrong - hiring replacement workers sounds fine to me as long as those members of the TWU that want to return to work are offered jobs as well (at the replacement workers' wage). Another thing that needs to be done is create some competition to the MTA by privatizing some of its functions - the union won't allow this of course (its in their contract) but if there is no union, all bets are off.

I appreciate what laurieco has had to say (hi Laurie!) but I think long term contracts are a bad idea. Connecticut workers recently received a contract which locked in generous health and pension benefits for TEN YEARS in exchange for cutbacks in other areas. This is too long - changes in benefits are occuring rapidly due to soaring health care costs and the huge expenses involved in funding pensions - the market should be allowed to decide these things, not the unions.

Well put, Craig. ((b))

I predict the end will be the same as the BART strike some time ago in the San Francisco bay area.

The city and state will put pressure on MTA to get their tax money, the riding cost will go up, and regular citizens will pay out of their pockets for all this mess.

When I was growing up in London, I used the Tube every day -- first to school, later to work. Can't imagine what I would have done if they were suddenly not there. I really feel for everyone in NYC, slogging to work in freezing cold weather. :-(

Hmm, I wonder if the TWU picked this specific week to strike to ensure the maximum impact? Sounds to me like the union workers get a pretty good deal compared to many. Privatizing sounds like a tempting solution, but there can be many unintended consequences -- you only have to look at all the problems with trains in the UK these days to see the downside.

Tourists in NY must be in a world of confusion over this. May it SOON be settled, so folks can get back to normal city life. Once again, New Yorkers show their resilience and determination -- hang in there everyone!

This thread is intended to inform people about the Strike situation and how it affects travel in the NYC area, not to profide a forum so that posters can tell us all how they think unions stink.

Could we please stay on topic?

From the point of view of the TWU, this is the perfect time to strike. The strike is disruptive at the most inopportune time of year for shoppers, visitors, and daily commuters. The MTA knew when the contract expired and should have extended the contract past the holiday season. Luckily, the strike is not paralyzing the city, and the weather is reasonable. Profits will be impacted by fewer shoppers, and the state and city will lose much needed tax revenue. After the strike is settled, sales in January should be high, and shoppers will find great bargains.

From the point of view of cabbies, they are getting an enormous boost in daily fares.

<i>&quot;Luckily, the strike is not paralyzing the city, and the weather is reasonable</i>&quot;

Not one of my friends is calling the weather reasonable, especially anyone walking over the Brooklyn Bridge at daybreak to get to work on time, then facing that long trek back after dark ..
I would imagine anyone not living in NY, would think if it is not raining or snowing it is reasonable but for those actually living there,that is not the way they are seeing it.
Friends taking a cab last night to the theater weren't charmed by the cost of the cabs either. So I guess, that is correct, if one is a cabbie, this must be a bonanza.

Well.... I have to say that even this VERY hearty New Yorker was nearly broken last night when she arrived at Penn Station for what was to become a four hour trip home.... NOT and I mean NOT looking forward to the trip home tonight.