[Biggy]

Not sure how many of you are following this, but the TWU (tranport workers union) is striking in NYC because of very minor issues. The MTA (gov't agency Metropolitan Transit Authority) wants future workers to pay 1% of their medical premiums, instead of 0%. Retirement age would go from 55 to 62, and kick in after 30 years on the job, whereas before it was 25 years. The MTA also offered current workers 3% raises in each of three years, on top of average salaries of $48,000. The union is striking until the pension idea is completely pulled from the table.

Although some people don't say they dont mind the strike (and enjoy the fact they are getting exercise), it is pretty bad and selfish of the workers. My sister lives downtown, she walks an hour in the cold each way to get to work every day the workers strike. Kids aren't making it to school, business is being slowed. I feel particularly bad for the elderly and others who it takes a serious toll on, remember the weather this time of year is brutally cold. Bloomberg should throw Toussaint (the union leader) in jail. The city is deep in debt, when Bloomberg came to office he increased parking ticket fines from $35 to $105, and reduced trash pickup to I believe once a week (thats why the trash gets so built up) as just some measures to help the city financially. Not only that, the city is simply asking them not to strike (striking is against the law), and to continue to work while negotiations go on.

Pretty ridiculous to put NYC thru all this right before XMAS and in the heart of the holiday season.