Philadelphia, where the World Series is more important than...democracy?
Philadelphia, where the World Series is more important than...democracy?
The news that SEPTA's transit workers were walking off the job right around the time that the Yankees were walking off the Citizens Bank Park diamond in disgrace was something of a surprise. Ever since the weekend, our elected officials like Mayor Nutter and Governor Rendell have been winking at us that this thing was in the bag. Now, Rendell looks like a bit of a buffoon...oh, wait, he already did, never mind (and this was before the bizarre turtleneck-thingee that he wore on Comcast's Eagles' coverage on Sunday, which made him look like a villain in a "Star Trek" movie, but I digreess...)
Anyway, I hope for the city's sake this thing is resolved soon, but in a positive way for these workers who are a backbone of Philadelphia. There is one thing other that troubles me -- and that's the timing. The TWU agreed on Friday night that it absolutely wouldn't walk out during the World Series, because, well, heaven forbid we interfere with something as sacred as that.
So instead they postponed their job action until...Election Day? I realize this cuts both ways -- Philadelphia school kids, including thousands who depend on SEPTA buses or the subway, are off today, which mimimizes their disruption at least for a day. On the other hand, Philadelphians are chosing the first new district attorney since 1991, with a somewhat competitive, by our standards, race for city controller and a couple of statewide judgeships, including a vacancy on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Turnout was going to be ridiculously low, anyway, but now I wonder how many working parents -- suddenly scrambling to get to their jobs today -- are even less likely to vote. So much attention was focused on not disrupting the World Series, but there wasn't a second thought to disrupting democracy?
Of course, there is another way to mimimize the hassles of voting on a busy midweek work day, with or without a transit strike. That would be to hold major elections on a Saturday or a Sunday. That's what they do in civilized nations all over the world. And it would be a lot more civilized if we did that here.
bill at: it's Democratic, not Democrat. I would look like a buffoon if I called the GOP the Republic Party. Do you honestly think that you are being clever? As to CleanupPhilly, I'm guessing you don't remember what a disaster it was when all the air traffic controllers were fired. Hardly a ringing endorsement for change.— marinboy- When Reagan busted the ATC union, they said we could never fill their slots. We did with very little disruption.— pj katauskas
- Who would have thought that in addition to being bullies that the TWU is lead by a Bunch (pun intended) of dummies? Ouch, this must really hurt the dems in all those statewide judge races. Too bad.— CD75
"...this is right of the working person who needs transportation to expect from their elected officials and Septa management" . . . . . I like it! A right to public transportation! Only gubmint can save us from those evil union terrori--, er strikers! By the way, how many folks remember that the PATCO union supported Reagan in 1980 because they feared Carter was going to do exactly what Reagan did? Reagan actively sdought the union's support, bragging about his lifetime AFL-CIO membership and union experience with SAG, and pledging to wortk with the union if elected.
Someone needs to pull a Reagan and tell them "if they do not report for work within 48 hours, they have forfeited their jobs and will be terminated." Suddenly, the 11% pay increase, pension increase, nearly free health care and a $1250 bonus management was offering would look pretty good.- Bill at, I'm sure EVeRY memeber of the TWU is Democrat and that NONE of the members are Repubs. It's exactly this kind of "all or nothing" thinking that creates problems.
- Is Will suggesting that the final result of a democratic sweep might be different if the buses were running? Pretty funny.— jimmymack
- "When Reagan busted the ATC union, they said we could never fill their slots. We did with very little disruption." . . . . . . Actually it took ten years for the FAA to get back to full staffing (it took 3 years just to train a new controller), but I recall supporting the move. Federal employees could not legally strike, and that's the way it should be in a socialist state in which commerce is so heavily dependent on government services.
- Start training the replacements NOW. Or, give these chumps a one year contract so they can train their replacements.— MBW
- MSL, In August of '81 Reagan made a clear distiction between the private sector and government with regard to the right to strike. Go Pedro!— A Friend
Comment removed.- I was kind of nice driving to work today without SEPTA buses slowing up traffic.— K_Ball
- Contract offer - "no raise in the first year, a 2.5 percent hike in the second year and 3 percent raises for each remaining year of the contract." -- Why not go on strike? Especially after watching Corrupt Wall Street CEOs get BILLIONS for criminal activity. -- These workers are accepting NO raise or just 2.5% - and their pension fund has been looted. -- Take back all of the Per Diem payments about $1 Million during the No-Working Budget Stall - and put it to Septa. These workers deserve a decent wage - some barely equal the $163 (yep they recently increased their own piggy banks)- per day that PA Legislator pigs get. -- So much for a budget crisis.— pal
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