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WASHINGTON - The New York City transit strike has accomplished its objective of calling attention to labor grievances held by the Transport Workers Union.
But I am calling for an immediate end to the walkout while negotiations continue because our senior citizens and the poor have suffered enough. The strike is not only causing inconvenience to thousands of New Yorkers, it is causing unbearable hardship to seniors who cannot get around at all, and to thousands of low-paid workers who are losing income because they cannot get to their jobs.
On behalf of the 600,000 residents of my Congressional District, I am appealing to MTA Chairman Kalikow and President Toussaint to agree to an immediate return to work while they continue their negotiations. The strike is causing devastation especially at Christmas time when lost wages and lost business will take the joy out of the holidays for millions of people--especially those who already have the least .
To get the discussions moving, I strongly urge the MTA to remove all pension issues from the table since any actions from such a discussion must have the agreement of both parties for the required legislative actions and considerations to move forward.
I also call upon Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg to provide the leadership and support necessary to bring the parties together for a settlement of the important issues to end the strike now. All parties, including Mayor Bloomberg must discontinue their use of harsh language in reference to the TWU leadership and its members.
While the financial and economic issues are critical to these negotiations, respect for the TWU and its membership is also very important. The transit workers are part of the backbone of this city whose contributions cannot be ignored or disrespected even in a time of conflict.
The Mayor and the Governor should use their influence to bring the parties together. That would do more to reassure New Yorkers than calling names.
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