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I think the workers must take a stand and the stand must be on principle if the company goes bankrupt so be it. I have no idea whether the principle is justified in this case or not.

There is a difference being forced to take paycuts or concessions and being forced out because the company goes bankrupt. Like any negotiation if the unions cannot walk away they are screwed.

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No pay cuts or concessions for current employees were ever discussed. The company offered a 11.5% raise over 3 years, the union wanted 24%.

Currently, workers pay nothing toward health insurance. The company offered to keep that for current employees, but wanted new hires from now on to pay 1% of their salary toward health insurance. The union said no way.

Currently, workers pay 2% of their salary toward retirement, and can retire at half pay at age 55 with 25 years of service. The company wanted new employees from now on to pay 3% and to have to work until age 62. Union: no way.

I have heard nothing from the union that justifies this strike. The union is not facing the world reality of the impact of health and pension benefits. They have a sweet deal, but they still want more.

I think the union leaders are screwing their members, and will end up screwing themselves. They are being fined $1 million a day, and the union started the strike with about $4 million in the bank. The workers face individual fines of 2 days pay per day of strike under NY state law, and they will probably face special union assessments to replace the funds paid in fines. Little guy gets the shaft again.