NYC Transit System Shuts Down As TWU Workers Walk Off Jobs

NYC Transit System Shuts Down As TWU Workers Walk Off Jobs

Millions of commuters are facing their worst nightmare this morning as a massive transit strike brings New York City's transit system to a halt, threatening businesses and stifling movement across the five boroughs.

Transit workers began walking off the job at 3 a.m. following a vote of the union's executive board, hours after union leaders rejected the MTA's final contract offer at the end of a contentious bargaining session.

City officials say the work stoppage, the city's first transit strike since 1980, will have a massive and debilitating effect on the city, thwarting millions of commuters and countless tourists on the cusp of the holiday season.

"Our contract expired on Thursday at midnight, but we postponed a strike in deference to our riders," said TWU Local 100 President Roger Toussaint in announcing the strike shortly before 3 a.m. "All local TWU members are now directed to report to the picket lines."


http://www.ny1.com/index.jsp

These people are out of control. The MTA's offer was more then fair and within the average salary increase for corp America. Why do these people think they are any more special? IMO anyone who stays on strike and doesn't cross the line should be fired, plain and simple. This is a huge injustice to the residents of NYC and a blow to the economy so close to Christmas. Roger Toussaint should take his can of Red Stripe and head back down to Jamaica and go work for Sandals resorts on the banana boat!