October 14, 2009

MTA slowdown possible today in union 'Day of Outrage'

New York City subways and buses today may not run as efficiently as usual (cough,) as MTA workers agitating for raises have called for a “Day of Outrage,” according to the Daily News and Post.

An MTA strike or slowdown is illegal, “but some signs are ominous,” the Post states, citing Transport Workers Union flyers urging its members to “give them a taste of hell.”

The union is demanding the MTA pay raises of about 11 percnt over three years, which was the determination set by an arbitration panel. However, the MTA said that number’s too high, according to the Daily News.

In December 2005, MTA workers walked off the job for three days, creating mass hassles due to a total shutdown of city buses and subways. A judge later fined the transit union and imposed other penalties.

Update at 3 p.m.: MTA Service Alert states: “All service running normally.” And at least anecdotally, there’s no strong evidence a slowdown is underway.

October 14, 2009 7:41 AM in Transportology

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