mtrak workers are threatening to strike. The railroad and its unions are struggling to reach new labor agreements. Workers could walk off the job at the end of January.On top of shutting down Amtrak service all over the country, it would mean that Amtrak facilities, including Penn Station in New York City would be shuttered.
If that happens, rail lines across the country could be crippled, and Penn Station in Manhattan would be forced to close.
Rush hour commuters were beside themselves Friday when CBS 2 HD gave them word of the breaking news out of Washington that could paralyze rail traffic, and close Penn Station, which is used by half a million Long Island Rail Road, NJ Transit and Amtrak passengers each day.
Penn Station is used jointly by Amtrak, NJ Transit, and the LIRR. It would mean chaos for millions who rely on mass transit to get to work, and cause serious delays for everyone else as people attempt to drive into Manhattan to avoid the circus on mass transit. The LIRR is working on contingency plans to deal with the massive headaches should the strike happen. So far, NJ Transit has not released its plans (if it has them).
New York has the Taylor Law that prevents public workers from striking as a matter of public interest and safety, but that applies only to state workers. Amtrak workers would not be bound by the Taylor Law.
Amtrak might have to pay $62 million in back wages and drop some work requirements if they listen to the nonbinding panel set up by President Bush.
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