There is still no contract between the MTA and the TWU Local 100 transit union—and worse, "this is heading to an impasse," one transit source is telling the News. At issue is a union that wants a raise (even a one percent raise would do) and a cash-strapped MTA being told by our hard-nosed Governor not to give. All of which leaves regular straphangers, still bitter about the 2005 strike, worrying about work slowdowns every time their train takes a bit longer than usual.
Reports from inside the talks vary, though "not even close" seems a common theme. At issue isn't just a raise (which the MTA reportedly is willing to entertain, despite Cuomo, if the union "finds ways to pay for them — through work-rule changes, restrictions on overtime and other cost savings") but also starting salaries and job descriptions. For instance, should cleaners be asked to do duties that "typically fall to other workers, like painters and employees in the lighting department?" If they are paid less than they are now, would those cleaners be "a permanent underclass?"
And making it worse is, despite new faces in the MTA and TWU, this isn't a friendly fight—especially when it comes to public posturing. TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen hasn't been shy about wanting to defend his employees (on Sunday he said "I’m going to go back into that hotel and I’m going to tell the chairman of the MTA, I’m going to tell the governor to take their petty demands and shove it.") and they haven't been shy about feeling stepped upon. Just listen to the worker's cries to "shut it down" at the 3:29 mark in this update on talks from Samuelsen:
So what now? We wait. The TWU is asking for "a five-year pact with raises of 1%,1%,1%, 2% and 2%," (or at least something pegged to inflation) and the MTA isn't rejecting the idea outright...as long as things turn out "net-zero" with any raises offset by labor reductions. If these talks collapse then we probably head into arbitration. But also, Samuelsen has
previously said the union could voice its displeasure by enforcing work rules that could slow down bus and train service. Those rules include allowing train operators to take bathroom breaks and bus drivers thoroughly inspecting their vehicles at the beginning of their shifts. Union leaders hinted that workers might be encouraged to follow those rules in the coming weeks but haven't adopted any specific plans of action, a transit union official said.
And y'know, now that we think about it, our commute this morning did appear slower than usual...
