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

Original post by Bride2B_2006

Dec 20, 2005 05:56 PM

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.

MCDO15 Posted: Dec 21, 2005 10:29 AM

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

Posted by dgtlsunshine

Tell me you are not serious. Oh yeah they have it so bad NOT

i believe what she is saying it's going both ways... most people are viewing this one side because of the media

overall result is, the state, many companies and people are losing money.

Granted the union has a good deal of leverage in this situation, its illegal what they are doing. the MTA should at least give them 1 of the things they want and leave it alone

carlsbride Posted: Dec 21, 2005 10:41 AM

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

I don't think it is the media giving the Union bad press. Just ask the thousands-sorry-millions of commuters who are affected by this. Just ask the business owners losing millions of $, workers losing wages. This is where it is coming from.

Their choice to do this - esp. at this time of year is unexcusable and shows the total disregard they have for their fellow human beings. Nevermind the legalities-where are their hearts? They are bullies and it is selfish.

BHW Posted: Dec 21, 2005 10:45 AM

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

MCDO15 Posted: Dec 21, 2005 10:46 AM

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

Posted by carlsbride

I don't think it is the media giving the Union bad press. Just ask the thousands-sorry-millions of commuters who are affected by this. Just ask the business owners losing millions of $, workers losing wages. This is where it is coming from.

Their choice to do this - esp. at this time of year is unexcusable and shows the total disregard they have for their fellow human beings. Nevermind the legalities-where are their hearts? They are bullies and it is selfish.

time of year..?? there contract expired.. it just happen to be xmas and cold out side.

a strike is a strike ..
sad to say but when there is money involved (unless your giving) people's hearts and feelings really don't matter 1 bit

Naunie Posted: Dec 21, 2005 10:51 AM

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

Posted by steflily

I feel bad for the workers who want to work, can't afford not to work, but can't because of the union. Now the union must pay all these fees and who will it hurt? The workers since they pay the dues to the union, which will probably go up now because of this.

I agree. I feel bad for the people that didn't want to strike, but had to.
Unions are bullies.

carlsbride Posted: Dec 21, 2005 10:51 AM

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

Posted by MCDO15

sad to say but when there is money involved (unless your giving) people's hearts and feelings really don't matter 1 bit

Yes-that is sad to say if that is what you believe-this is what is wrong with our society and why greed causes bad things like this to happen.

McSulllivan Posted: Dec 21, 2005 10:54 AM

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

All I have to say is, my husband is a New York City Police Officer. He called me yesterday - Christmas is canceled. It was his RDO. We have never spent Christmas together. Not once. This was to be the first year. You can bet your a$$ that many of the Transit workers make more money, get better benefits than my husband.

Toussaint is an egomaniac and he should be doing jail time! The strike is illegal! I have no sympathy for those on strike!

Awe, you have to contribute to your own healthcare - oh, poor things! JOIN THE CLUB!!

I was LOOKING for a picket line yesterday.

ChrissynRicky Posted: Dec 21, 2005 10:56 AM

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

Posted by Naunie

Posted by steflily

I feel bad for the workers who want to work, can't afford not to work, but can't because of the union. Now the union must pay all these fees and who will it hurt? The workers since they pay the dues to the union, which will probably go up now because of this.

I agree. I feel bad for the people that didn't want to strike, but had to.
Unions are bullies.

800-900 union members crossed the picket-lines and approached the MTA, ready to work, but were told to go home b/c there is still not enough employees to run limited services.

This is the reason why the MTA heads should be NOMINATED by the people, rather than APPOINTED by the governor.

ETA: So keep that last tidbit in mind when the Elections for Governor come up soon!

EJSD2006 Posted: Dec 21, 2005 11:07 AM

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

FH is MTA but LIRR and it's a completely different union. He has to request a day off 30 days in advance, but for personal reasons. If he's sick, he's sick and no one gives him a problem. We dont' really mind it, we've actually gotten used to it.

His contract expires next year and I told him if his union tries to pull this crap, he's dead. If this strike had taken place any other time of year I may have more sympathy for them. But the fact that they are holding the city hostage during the holidays is NOT cool with me.

weddingbunny Posted: Dec 21, 2005 11:49 AM

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

Posted by MCDO15

Posted by carlsbride

I don't think it is the media giving the Union bad press. Just ask the thousands-sorry-millions of commuters who are affected by this. Just ask the business owners losing millions of $, workers losing wages. This is where it is coming from.

Their choice to do this - esp. at this time of year is unexcusable and shows the total disregard they have for their fellow human beings. Nevermind the legalities-where are their hearts? They are bullies and it is selfish.

time of year..?? there contract expired.. it just happen to be xmas and cold out side.

a strike is a strike ..
sad to say but when there is money involved (unless your giving) people's hearts and feelings really don't matter 1 bit

yes, but they could have waited until after the holidays. There is absolutely no reason the strike had to happen at this exact minute. Like others have said, other public workers like NYPD, etc, have worked for years without a contract - TWU could have (and should have) waited a couple of months. It really wouldn't have hurt them, and it would have kept a lot of other people from getting hurt - like people in retail who are losing a lot of money from Christmas sales, and the cops who may now have to work through Christmas instead of spending time with their families. And, who knows, in that time they could have kept negotiating and might have reached some kind of agreement without striking.

I refuse to believe that to everybody money is more important than 'hearts and feelings.' Sure it is to some people, but there are a lot of other people who have a better priority list.

BHW Posted: Dec 21, 2005 11:55 AM

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

JazzyT Posted: Dec 21, 2005 11:56 AM

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

Posted by Bride2B_2006

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.

OMG, thank you well said, while a stike is an inconvienience to all, the MTA has no regard for their employees who are vital to all of our everyday lives like we see now. ETA, all opinions that are prtrayed by the media is negative towards the TWU which is not right so again thanks an opinion that displays the other side of the fence.

riniko Posted: Dec 21, 2005 11:57 AM

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

We are lucky to get a 2-3% raise per year. This is much much less than the cost of living increase. I work in a non-profit hospital.

JazzyT Posted: Dec 21, 2005 11:58 AM

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

Posted by JazzyT

Posted by Bride2B_2006

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.

Soon2BeMrsD Posted: Dec 21, 2005 11:59 AM

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

this issue is just ridiculous, the transit employees make MORE money then myself and MANY other people...they are complaining about contributing to healthcare?? join the rest of the working class who have to contribute to healthcare, i dont feel sorry for them, i feel sorry for all the people who CANT get to work (like my FH) and who have to walk to work in freezing temperatures, they did it 4 days before the holidays and are ruining everyones week over absurd requests...i have gotten a 3.5% raise ONE in TWO years, im not complaining, because i have a job if i dont like my job i will get a different one, that should be what they do instead of strike, if they quit you know how many people would love to have their position?? geeze get me and application please

JazzyT Posted: Dec 21, 2005 12:03 PM

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

Posted by Soon2BeMrsD

this issue is just ridiculous, the transit employees make MORE money then myself and MANY other people...they are complaining about contributing to healthcare?? join the rest of the working class who have to contribute to healthcare, i dont feel sorry for them, i feel sorry for all the people who CANT get to work (like my FH) and who have to walk to work in freezing temperatures, they did it 4 days before the holidays and are ruining everyones week over absurd requests...i have gotten a 3.5% raise ONE in TWO years, im not complaining, because i have a job if i dont like my job i will get a different one, that should be what they do instead of strike, if they quit you know how many people would love to have their position?? geeze get me and application please

It's not only about the money

Soon2BeMrsD Posted: Dec 21, 2005 12:08 PM

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

oh i understand its not only about the money, they have some valid complaints, however IMO a strike right before christmas wasnt necessary, it seems as tho they just want the attentiona nd if they strike long enough they will get what they want they think...hey i understand there may be some things that need to be changed, but some of the things they are arguing about IMO are ridiculous and seems like they want what they want and they arent negotiating

Soon2BMrsA Posted: Dec 21, 2005 12:10 PM

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

This stinks for everyone! commuters, tourists, the city's economy, and MTA employees that didnt want to strike!
My SIL's husband is a MTA employee, he doesnt even want to strike, but cant go against the union. For every day of the strike he loses THREE days of pay!! He's praying that the strike ends ASAP. Dh's dad has a management level position there and they have him working from 4pm-4am rather than his usual 8hr day shift.

Hopefully this will end soon!

Mrs. dleeny Posted: Dec 21, 2005 12:11 PM

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

Posted by Soon2BMrsA

This stinks for everyone! commuters, tourists, the city's economy, and MTA employees that didnt want to strike!
Dh's SIL's husband is a MTA employee, he doesnt even want to strike, but cant go against the union. For every day of the strike he loses THREE days of pay!! He's praying that the strike ends ASAP. Dh's dad has a management level position there and they have him working from 4pm-4am rather than his usual 8hr day shift.

Hopefully this will end soon!

that is BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would go against the union unless they want to cough up that fine!

Soon2BeMrsD Posted: Dec 21, 2005 12:12 PM

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

Posted by Soon2BMrsA

This stinks for everyone! commuters, tourists, the city's economy, and MTA employees that didnt want to strike!
Dh's SIL's husband is a MTA employee, he doesnt even want to strike, but cant go against the union. For every day of the strike he loses THREE days of pay!! He's praying that the strike ends ASAP. Dh's dad has a management level position there and they have him working from 4pm-4am rather than his usual 8hr day shift.

Hopefully this will end soon!

i know,, many bus and train workers are saying they dont want to strike, thats why i have such and issue, its just so hard on everyone esp right before the holidays..