go travel what have you read? The vote was 36-38 to go back to work. So there was not really an overwhelming majority that wanted to go back.

From what I've read, they are a bunch of selfish SOB's and thugs who have ruined hundreds of thousands of lives over this holiday period by participating in an illegal strike -- what part of "illegal strike" do some people not understand.

I hope they are happy!!!

BAH HUMBUG

Sarah, I've been reading the NY Post (is there any better entertainment on the planet for $0.50?) and the NY Times.

I got the impression that the majority of the workers were against the strike from reading between the lines.

Of course I could be incorrect.

Sarah, I think GoTravel meant the union members, not the board. And from what I heard on the news, only 5 of the board members voted to not go back to work.

I've also been reading the Post (okay, I read it b/c I'm addicted to Page Six) and the Times.

I also got the sense that most of the workers were very ambivalent about the strike.

Just like our own government, be it local, state, or national, it is only as good as its members want it to me.

Some of you have written of your (poor) union experiences. So what did you do to better your union, or were you willing to sit back, take the benefits you liked and gripe about what you disliked? I've been active in organizations with plenty of members who would never assist in its operation, yet participated in the activities, yet were the first "Monday morning quarterbacks" to complain about what should have been or to suggest something "someone" should do in the future.

Why did MTA management, who enjoy pretty good benefits themselves, allow the recently expired contract to have a termination date so close to an important shopping/tourist season? Why didn't they get a new contract in place before the expiration of the old one? Direct some wrath on them.

Taylor Law? Illegal strike? If you recall, the founders of this country broke some laws as well. You gotta do what you gotta do and labor must act when their actions have the most impact.

Why didn't the UNION negotiate a more appropriate termination date? - its a two way street, assuming they have brains too - striking during Christmas probably hurt them more than the MTA. As far as my own union experience, I was a college student that was forced to join (i.e. pay dues) - I received the lowest wage and no benefits. I am sure there are many (at least those that don't accept mediocrity) that would prefer not to belong to a union but... membership is not optional - its not a volunteer organization so if you are dissatisfied you can not opt out.

ttt