This could make life interesting

It appears the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the subway and buses, and the Transport Workers Association are playing chicken.

The union's contract expires this week, and over the weekend, they authorized a strike if the MTA doesn't come to the table with a better deal. Apparently the union is insulted by the measly 3 percent raise MTA offered -- which is as good or better than the University of Michigan has given its staff for the last few years. Maybe I should apply to drive a subway train?

The New York Times says:
Even though there has not been a transit strike since 1980, even though state law bars such walkouts and even though union and management say a strike is unlikely, a strike is always possible, and this year the chances appear higher than usual.

Newsday story
New York Daily News story

In a city that's completely dependent on public transportation, where the streets are already congested at rush hour, where getting a cab can be nearly impossible, the weekend before Christmas could be absolutely manic if this strike happens.

Good thing my good walking shoes finally showed up in our UPS box.