Michael Legel I have lived in New York City roughly with similar income, and given the crappy month I've had, I'm living on much less right now. The things they have that I don't include healthcare, frequently guaranteed wage increases above the rate of inflation, a steady job, and a pension. Besides, the median income IN New York City is around $40k-year, which means a hell of a lot of people are probably living on a lot less. So not only do I *think* they are doing better than most people, they matter-of-factly are doing better than most people. I don't want to drag them down. By and large they're honest, hardworking, send laborers. Frankly, I think they're paid fairly, deserve the benefits they have, and I don't think they should be made to lose anything. Many of the jobs they do aren't particularly hard, but require careful, patient, balanced people who have to at times work stressful hours. When the time comes where an increase in salary is warranted, sure, give it to them. If anything, I think it would be reasonable to guarantee wage increases in line with inflation from here on out. Why Is This Price Gouging 856There's no simple answer to this question. Tied up in it are a whole collection of legal, ethical, and cultural issues. There is a cultural idea, which is to some extent supported by law as... There are some sacrifices they could make. Retiring with a half-pension at age 55 is a very generous perk, and to say that 62 is an outlandish age to retire just sounds outlandish. People are living longer now, and many are working longer. 62 is still younger than the generally accepted retirement age of 65. For those who work 35 hour weeks, 40 hours wouldn't kill them. As for the MTA, I understand their animosity. The MTA board frequently forgets that they're supposed to be serving the public too, and it seems run more like a giant private corporation than a public benefit corporation.
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