TWU: Okay If Funded
Transit Unions Split On Congestion Plan

By ARI PAUL

Unions representing Metropolitan Transportation Authority workers are divided on whether they will support Mayor Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan.

CHRIS SILVERA: Opposed to new tolls.

Representatives of the MTA Labor Coalition met at the headquarters of Transport Workers Union Local 100 Jan. 11 to discuss the merits and problems of a proposal to charge drivers coming into Manhattan in order to decrease traffic and increase mass transit usage. Representatives of the Department of Transportation were expected to attend.

'A Heavy Punch'

"I am generally anti-any form of tolls or any of those things," said Chris Silvera, the secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 808, which represents Track Workers at Metro-North. "To just add this tollbooth in the middle of 96th St., that makes no sense at all. It's going to be a heavy punch for working people."

His main concern was that working-class people coming into Manhattan for work would end up paying a large portion of their take-home pay in tolls. Mr. Silvera said that the plan could work if employers helped pay for workers who need to drive into the central borough but that it would be more prudent for the city and state to focus on improving mass transit.

ROGER TOUSSAINT: 'Small window to act.'

But Local 100, the main New York City Transit union, is in favor of congestion pricing. Local 100 Research Director Claudia Preparata said at a public hearing in October that the plan was "economically sound" but added that the union was concerned that the plan might not have proper financing.

'MTA Did Its Homework'

"At the time, one of the union's concerns was that increased transit capacity had to be put in place before any plan went into effect," she said then. "To get people out of their cars, it is necessary to have a seat in place on the train or bus for them. In this area, the MTA and the city have done their homework. Neighborhoods have been identified where there are fewer connections to the existing subway and/or bus network, or where there is likely to be a significant increase in demand. In addition, consideration has been given to selected subway service enhancements needed to absorb additional capacity."

Ms. Preparata indicated in a phone interview last week that Local 100 had not changed its position.

Kevin Smith, president of Local 1655 of District Council 37, which represents clerical employees at NYC Transit, did not return calls seeking comment. Franklin R. Silsdorf, president of DC 37 Local 1931, representing Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Maintainers, said that his union had not yet decided on a position but could be influenced by the arguments made in the Jan. 11 meeting.

In a letter to coalition representatives, Local 100 President Roger Toussaint urged swift action.

"On Jan. 31, 2008, the Mitigation Commission on Congestion Pricing will present its recommendations to the City Council, the Mayor and the State Legislature," he said. "And on March 31, the State Legislature will vote on the proposed blueprint. We have a small window where we must act to ensure a resolution to the proposed plan on congestion pricing most benefits the region's transportation system, its riders and our members."