Bus Service Back MTA Strike Next?

Ayala Ben-Yehuda
Relief for thousands of riders stranded by Queens bus strike came this past Tuesday when bus workers voted to accept a deal on wage and benefits increases, ending the seven-week strike.
The agreement between the city and workers for Jamaica Buses, Triboro Coach Corp. and Queens Surface Corp. put limited bus service back on the street at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.
"Im very satisfied with the outcome," said Roger Toussaint, president of the Transport Workers Union Local 100, after a Sunday press conference at union headquarters. "It has been seven rough weeksI feel satisfied with the terms and believe they are reasonable."
The agreement provides a retroactive wage increase of 4% for each of the first two years and 1% for the last three months of a 27-month contract that expires in March 2003. The agreement also gives the private bus companies a $3.75 million loan from the city to cover a health benefits increase, as well as health and pension hikes consistent with gains in inflation.
Enzo Sinnona, a driver for Triboro Coach Corp., described what had been a dire situation for many of his striking colleagues. "For people who had savings, the strike was like a paid vacation, but others were in despair," he told The Queens Courier. "Peoples phones were disconnected. We even gave out food to some members."
Senior citizens were also seriously affected by the strike. "The strike has gone on so long, leaving the elderly homebound, not being able to socialize, see friends or even get food," said City Councilwoman Helen Sears (D-Jackson Heights).
Amid the rejoicing comes the possibility of a strike by Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus and subway workers this December, when TWUs contracts with MTA expire.
"We are looking forward to early negotiations and are hoping that management will negotiate in good faith," said union spokesman Dave Katzman.
Specific demands have not yet been formulated, but Katzman said they concern wages, health benefits, pensions and "issues of dignity and respect."
He added, "The MTA frequently treats our members like serfs, and uses its disciplinary apparatus towards that end."
Strikes by MTA workers are forbidden by law, but Katzman said that union leaders are prepared to go to jail "should it come to it."
An MTA spokesman refused to comment.