Feature Page: Crackdown Timed for Republican Convention?
2004Marty Goodman 2004-07The page as the paper published it (Wayback Machine) →
From the paper's own web edition, recovered from the Internet Archive: the text as the paper put it online, not machine-read. The printed issue of July 2004 is not held.
by Marty Goodman
Transit bosses will use the example of the crackdown on Kevin Harrington to keep workers on a short leash during the National Republican Convention here in late August. Workers are increasingly angry over NYCT plans to downsize employee staff by computerizing train operation and further automating fare collection.
In addition, workers are angry over attempts by the city to have the MTA take over the financially troubled privately owned bus lines, whose 3000 workers are represented by Local 100.
In June, a job-cutting proposal for a Tri-State "Regional Bus System" was defeated, with union opposition, in the state legislature. The bill projected putting the private bus lines, and 6000 MTA Manhattan and Brooklyn bus drivers and mechanics, under its umbrella.
However, the union's heavy reliance on politicians may not be enough to secure jobs and benefits. Mayor Michael Bloomberg is still pursuing a secretive MTA takeover of the private bus companies. Among the few details emerging are City/MTA plans to undermine Civil Service rights and health and pension benefits.