Day 306: Calling a transit strike during a recession...treasure hunt or gold-digging?

I know I've taken some flack for some of my stances being anti-union. And truthfully, I'm not anti-union.  I believe in workplace safety and fair wages. I believe in the power of collective bargaining. I just believe that no demand should be taken on face value to be fair or reasonable, simply because it is being put forth by a union leader.

So when Septa Transportation Workers Union (TWU) 234 leadership turned down management's offer of an 11.5% wage increase over a 5-year period, an $1,250 signing bonus, an 11% increase in pension contributions, and no increase in healthcare premiums...I was, well, surprised.

The TWU apparently wants a 4% pay increase per year (i.e., 20% over 5 years). In the worst recession since 1937. Mayor Nutter has said in plain terms that the money just isn't there. Not to mention the fact that the union called the strike at 3am with zero notice to allow commuters to find alternate routes.

But TWU President Brown contends that the Governor, the Mayor, and Septa management are concealing federal stimulus money that could meet the union's demand. When you add the fact that the average TWU worker brings in 54k annually in salary alone, that just spells "greed."

Public opinion seems against the union from the outset. Not surprising, given the fact that there are lots of people who are out of work and who would be willing to take management's deal. Hell, I'd operate a subway train for $20 an hour plus benefits and zero pay increase over the next two years, until the economy improves.

So, are we going to be looking at another Ronald Reagan vs the Air Traffic Controllers in 1981? Probably not. But the union has put itself in a difficult spot. Both the Governor and the Mayor have said there's no money in the system for what they're asking  So it will be interesting to see how the union's gamble plays out..

Comments

[Leah]

Things like this just add to the bad rep of the unions. My husband was a union worker. Paid his dues and got nothing in return. .02 a day pay raise, increased health insurance premiums, etc. So he was on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Unions served a very necessary purpose at one point in time. Unfortunately, too many of them no longer do.

[Melissa in TN]

My nephew has about the same experience as Leah's husband.

Philly transit workers are turning their backs on a lot. Their timing is way off. I'd take the money and head back to work if I were them.

Hope the pup is getting acclimated to the new place.

[Andrew]

Too bad the Union can throw a strike, but Brad Lidge can't.

[Sarah]

Frankly, I am shocked at the strike. I can't believe that, as you said, in this recession they would walk away from more than most people are getting. None of my friends received pay raises this year, nor bonuses (which are typical in the law support universe). Few of us expect raises next year. I'm not complaining. I am better off than many, but I think that this union is shooting themselves in the proverbial foot.

Hope the pup is staying put and getting along with the natives.

[Tracy]

Not surprised that the union turned this down, although I sure don't understand their motive.

But what I am surprised to learn in all this hoopla is that Philly's mayor's name is 'Nutter' Really???? REALLY?????

[Charlie]

Frankly I lost all faith in the TWU 25 years ago, when Septa's President proposed cutting bus stops to every other block and received received death threats in return. Death threats. Because stopping every other block would reduce stress on the buses and put mechanics out of work. Yeh.

And yes, the mayor's name is Nutter. Interestingly, when Septa decided to return revamped PCC trolleys to the Girard Ave line, Nutter (then Councilman Nutter) threw a roadblock into the plan. Apparently a street in his district had its traffic flow changed from one- to two-way when buses replaced the trolleys, and Septa wanted it changed back, so the trolleys could make their turns. The change would result in the loss of a dozen parking spots. So Nutter held up the conversion to trolleys for a YEAR. Over a dozen parking spots. He's known as honest but uncompromising. And IMHO a bit of a screwball.

[Tracy]

In other words, a nutter! hahahahahaha

Sorry, just had to say it.

[Brian]

Charlie, I like your posts.