NYC transit strike is on: Who do you blame?

[VarlosZ]

The Transit Worker's Union officially went on strike at about 3 AM, shutting down all of New York City's subways and buses.

Edit: The MTA wants to increase the retirement age for new workers from 55 to 62, and require them (new workers) to contribute an additional 1% (to 3%) of their salary to their pension, and 1% to their health insurance. They propose a 9% raise over three years. Average subway/bus operator salary is in the $50K-$60K range.

The Union's nominal demands are lowering the retirement age to 50, and a 24% raise over three years, but those are almost certainly mere negotiating ploys.

The strike is illegal, and striking members face stiff fines.