very simple

It feels like it’s every year, although according to the paper, the last one was back in 2002. That’s right, it’s time to start worrying about another transit strike here in NYC. For me, it’s actually not so bad – I actually walk to work from my new homestead pretty regularly – unless it’s freezing or raining, it’s a pretty easy walk (I actually timed it the other day, and discovered that it’s faster to walk than to take the bus. Plus I can stop at Starbucks on the way).

Transit strikes are illegal, but it doesn’t mean that they won’t happen. And the predictions and reports keep pointing out that the two sides are further apart than they have been in years.

The potential for irrationality – others use the words intransigence or hotheadedness – seems slightly higher in this December’s negotiations than in the transit talks three years ago, when the two sides stopped the clock and then announced a settlement 19 hours after the strike deadline.

This time around, the bargaining stew seems somewhat more volatile because the transportation authority is demanding sizable concessions on pensions and health coverage, saying that it needs to worry about future deficits even though it has a budget surplus of nearly $1 billion. Many transit workers believe the authority is sitting on a pile of money, and they are looking for generosity from the authority, not demands for givebacks.

They were actually just discussing this on the radio as well, and they pointed out that it’s really hard for the MTA to cry poverty when they’re running around giving everyone "half-price" tourist fares every weekend until Christmas or New Years. I noticed it when I took the bus this weekend.

For me, it’s kind of pointless – I pay for a "yearly" unlimited metrocard through my office. And the other day in connection with all of this holiday craziness, I received what may the stupidest "bonus" ever. In order to "make up" for the discounted fares, our transit check program just sent us all $10 metrocards. Great, right? Except I pay for an unlimited metrocard – my monthly fees stay the same whether I use the card or not. So why on earth would I use a different card? They should have just rebated $10 to my paycheck. Plus, because the bonus card is a "holiday special" it expires in February, meaning that I can’t hold onto it for when my other card runs out (next September!). I suppose I could find someone to give it away to, but it’s still retarded.

Anyhoo – I’m off to work…feeling much better after I slept pretty much all day on Friday….

Tags: new york city