The current strike in New York City by the 33,000-member Transport Workers Union is illegal. A New York State law bars public employees from walking out. Period. Full stop. It does not say they may walk out if…. The law says that bus drivers, subway workers, etc. are absolutely forbidden to walk off their jobs for any reason. Their jobs are too critical.
But they did walk out. So what happens now? What consequences can these people, most of whom earn more than the average New Yorker, expect as a result of striking for even higher salaries?
Sadly, there have been no serious consequences for the first two days. Rank and file members are losing two days of pay for every day on strike, but that obviously isn’t serious enough to make them obey the law. The union is being fined $1 million per day, but that isn’t serious enough either. They continue their illegal strike.
Yesterday, a judge ordered the union leaders to appear before him today – Thursday. “Sure punishment,” thought many people, but no. State Justice Jones merely threatened to jail them for criminal contempt. He said there was a “distinct possibility” he would send the leaders to jail when he meets with them today.
Although millions of commuters have difficulty getting to work; sick and elderly are unable to get to hospitals for treatment; the judge is not sure he is ready to enforce the law. It remains a possibility.
I can’t understand. Are there no officials in the city of New York who have the courage of their convictions? We need elected city or state officers who have the backbone to stand up and tell the strikers, “Get back to work tomorrow or you’re fired!” But does New York have such leaders?
Courage of Convictions seems to be MIA (Missing-in-Action).
Adults who have read Courage, and teens who have read Passport to Courage know what I mean. Men and women who are responsible for such an immense metropolis need strong convictions concerning illegal walk outs. They need, too, the courage of their convictions. They need to stand for what they believe, and enforce the law speedily!
President Ronald Reagan had the courage of his convictions when faced with a similar situation. On August 3, 1981, nearly 13,000 Air Traffic Controllers walked off the job, hoping to get higher wages, a shorter work week, and better retirement benefits. It was illegal for them to do this, so President Reagan held a press conference that same day. He gave the illegal strikers a stern ultimatum: return to work within 48 hours or lose your job.
Some confessed later that they thought the President was bluffing, but he was not. When a mere 1,200 strikers returned to work, the remaining 11,000 plus received pink slips. They had made their choice. They were replaced.
I hope those in charge of enforcing New York State’s law will follow Reagan’s high moral example today. I hope that some who do have the courage of their convictions will take action to enforce the law. As long as they do not – as long as courage of convictions continues to be MIA – the strikers will continue to hold New York City hostage – illegally.
That’s the view from my chair. What’s your view?