REPOST: To all of you who blame only TWU for this strike

I'm not happy about the strike because my sister works for transit and it is hurting her and she may be subject to ridiculous fines simply because she won't go against her union.

Everyone seems to be blaming the union, but there is more to every story than meets the eye. MTA is also to blame for this strike. It has absolutely no respect for its employees.

A few weeks ago, the MTA announced that it had a billion dollar surplus. MTA KNEW that the union contract would expire around Christmas. But, instead of using that money for its employers, it decided to waste the money on a limited amount of riders. At most, this 'free ride scam' save the people who were actually able to get one of those special 41 day Metro cards about $25.

A measly $25 dollars. It was the biggest waste of 150 - 200 million dollars that I have ever seen.

Do know anyone who actual bought one of these cards?

Wouldn't you rather have no strike at all than save a measly $25?

The MTA could have used that surplus to increase the salaries of its employees.

Or it could have given its employees a bonus.

It chose to do neither.

In 2005, some unions have obtained solid raises. For example, the sanitation workers have gotten a 17 percent raise over 51 months and the police contract includes a 10.25 percent raise over two years.

The MTA is (at least) $30,000,000 per day money making machine. Yet, the most that it can muster is a 12% raise only if new employees contribute 6% of their check to their health insurance. That's almost no raise at all.

Did you know that as an MTA employee you have to request a day off at least 30 days in advance?

How many of us know that we're going to need a day off a month ahead of time?

Did you know that MTA employees have to stand on line to get a holiday like Thanksgiving off the same way we might stand in line for a concert ticket?

Did you know that some of the bathrooms that some of the female employees have to use have no heat and rats running through them?

Again, I'm not happy about the strike, but I understand the reasons behind it.

Other than the issues with unsanitary bathrooms and having to wait on line to get a holiday off, I don't see how the MTA is that bad to its employees.

I am in HR and I support many different companies, in various different industries. The MTA workers have it A LOT better than many others...

My dad works for the MTA and doesn't have to request a day off a month in advance. And as far as rats in the bathrooms..it is NYC afterall!

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Posted by N.Y.bride

My uncle works for them and owns 2 houses. How much do they make? Is it decent?

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I honestly don't know what my dad makes but he's only been with them for about two years [he left his other compnay after 25 years]...my mother does not work, he's paying for my entire wedding, he bought a brand new limited edition 4-runner last year and two months ago he bought a 2003 corvette. I really do not think they have it that bad right?!

He really is the best father ever! He actually just called me right now to tell me not to go into work [I actually work in the city, my boss is letting me work from home]..he said penn station is a dangerous place right now.
53k is more than I make too and I've been with my company for five years!

By the way..I saw your wedding review and your pictures are beautiful. My mom was over for dinner last weekend and we looked at it together and she said her husband is a really nice looking man!
And congrats on your baby!

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Posted by alioop4282

He really is the best father ever! He actually just called me right now to tell me not to go into work [I actually work in the city, my boss is letting me work from home]..he said penn station is a dangerous place right now.
53k is more than I make too and I've been with my company for five years!

By the way..I saw your wedding review and your pictures are beautiful. My mom was over for dinner last weekend and we looked at it together and she said her husband is a really nice looking man!
And congrats on your baby!

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Awww thank you so much!!!

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Posted by N.Y.bride

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Posted by alioop4282

He really is the best father ever! He actually just called me right now to tell me not to go into work [I actually work in the city, my boss is letting me work from home]..he said penn station is a dangerous place right now.
53k is more than I make too and I've been with my company for five years!

By the way..I saw your wedding review and your pictures are beautiful. My mom was over for dinner last weekend and we looked at it together and she said her husband is a really nice looking man!
And congrats on your baby!

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Awww thank you so much!!!

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You're welcome!

IMO, 53,000 a year is more than i make. after the strike, I'm applying to be a train conducter.

I have to put in one month before to get days off. Cops also have to put in for vacation in January for the whole year. It's not that crazy.

No matter the issues with the MTA, i'm still against anyone that strikes five days before the holiday season.

sorry, but after today's commute, I have little sympathy.

The way I believe it, The fire department is given their vacations at the beginning of the year. If they dont like what they get they have to work with friends to see if they can work something out, like a switch.


I just saw on the news a man missed his brothers wake because of the strike.

The strike is illegal, plain and simple. I'm sorry that your sister is involved.

And just because the MTA has a surplus does not mean the employees are entitled to a raise, etc. Plenty of employees contribute to health plans..
Plenty of unions work without a contract..... police, teachers etc.... They have a duty to the public. to strike at this time of year, the holidays and the cold weather is completely inconsiderate and self-serving.

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Posted by N.Y.bride

The way I believe it, The fire department is given their vacations at the beginning of the year. If they dont like what they get they have to work with friends to see if they can work something out, like a switch.


I just saw on the news a man missed his brothers wake because of the strike.

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That's horrible! Hope it's 'worth' it in the long run.

But, hey, I also want to congratulate you on your pregnancy!

Thank you thank you thank you so much!! We are SOOO excited and can not WAIT for our next ultrasound on Jan 7th!!!

Oooh..are you gonna find out if it's a boy or a girl?!

I feel for both sides. Okay, not really. (I am very sarcastic if you don't know me)

When I started in television as an on-air meteorologist I was making $7.73 per hour. I have a 4-year degree. I have 'moved up' and jumped for joy when I surpassed $30,000. I have to put in at the beginning of the year for vacation. Oh! wait! I don't HAVE F'N VACATION!!!!! And I have worked every holiday since graduation in 98 and don't even get a 'thanks'. Everyone can bite me.

People have worked for years without a contract, there is no reason that they had to go on strike, 5 days before christmas no less and completely cripple nd endanger the biggest city in the world. This is insane these people are getting away with it, they should all be fired - I am sure there are PLENTY of people out there who would jump on these jobs in a heartbeat. And now, after being here at work for almost 12 hours, I have a 30 block walk in frigid temperatures to get to Penn Station - where I will most likely stand outside for over an hour and then be packed on a train home.
Thank you transit workers!

Just wanted to add, that just because there is a surplus does NOT mean that it should go to the employees.

Even not for profit companies end up with surplusses and they seldom give any of it to the employees- and BELIEVE ME, employees of not for profit companies are making the LEAST amount of money out of all of us.

yes, but they wont be able to tell on the 7th..too early

Good night ladies. Im spent!!!