more transit talk
the problem with the pension/healthcare contributions is that it's front-loaded-- 6% of salary during the first ten years is precisely when it will hit the worker the hardest-- when they're making the least amount of money, are the healthiest, and are more likely to leave for another job. it makes sense from an investment perspective, compounding interest and all that, but from a salaryman's perspective it's the worst of all possible worlds.
but yeah, inflation. nobody seems to talk about it.
also, the security issues basically boils down to keeping conductors and token booth attendants on the job, in addition to counter-terrorism training. but those jobs are ones the MTA does not want to keep.
a fair offer (to me) would look like 4, 5, 6%, retirement age of 55 after 25 years, 62 if 18 or fewer, keep the conductors and token booth attendants, and *everyone* paying 1% towards pensions/healthcare. That and moving the contract end date to not be at christmas.
Bloomberg should also restore the city's contribution to the MTA budget, Kalikow should be replaced with Hevesi, Pataki should jump off the GW bridge, and the 2nd avenue subway will be manifest whole from the combined energy of east-side commuters.
And bring the fare back to a buck fifty.
In my dreams...
but yeah, inflation. nobody seems to talk about it.
also, the security issues basically boils down to keeping conductors and token booth attendants on the job, in addition to counter-terrorism training. but those jobs are ones the MTA does not want to keep.
a fair offer (to me) would look like 4, 5, 6%, retirement age of 55 after 25 years, 62 if 18 or fewer, keep the conductors and token booth attendants, and *everyone* paying 1% towards pensions/healthcare. That and moving the contract end date to not be at christmas.
Bloomberg should also restore the city's contribution to the MTA budget, Kalikow should be replaced with Hevesi, Pataki should jump off the GW bridge, and the 2nd avenue subway will be manifest whole from the combined energy of east-side commuters.
And bring the fare back to a buck fifty.
In my dreams...