NYTs and Commisssars, Citing Cold Weather, Hostage Citizens, Glimpse Power of Mass Action

The bar for job actions by New York City transit workers is set, legally, out of reach for good reason. A strike that halts buses and subways that daily carry seven million riders can devastate New York's economy and countless lives.

… The authority also made other concessions, including a better wage offer, that could be seen as generous, considering that its finances will be awash in red ink for foreseeable years and it cannot just let fares skyrocket to pay for any deal it cuts for its workers.

Many other issues remain to be hammered out, but none justify a strike, especially in the frigid days before the holidays.

… the mayor demanded an end to the strike before talks resume, but that is not his call,….

…[union chief Roger] Toussaint should not have the ability to hold the city hostage. That he can do so says little about the leadership on the other side of the table.

...The governor is in a position to impose some reason.

Editorial. “An Unnecessary Transit Stike,” New York Times, 12/21/05.