MTA hires 'scabs' to drive shuttle buses during LIRR strike, union bosses say
Gothamist • • general
Key Points:
- The MTA hired non-union "scab" drivers from companies like Peter Pan, Coach USA, and J & F Tours to operate shuttle buses for Long Island Rail Road commuters stranded by a labor strike, running service on Monday but not over the weekend.
- Approximately 2,100 passengers used the shuttle buses during the Monday morning rush, despite the buses having a capacity for around 13,000, with the MTA incurring about $550,000 in daily operating costs.
- Union leaders condemned the use of these drivers as crossing picket lines, emphasizing their opposition to "scabbing" but also rejecting any violence, focusing instead on securing a contract through negotiations.
- Some shuttle bus riders expressed appreciation for the service despite the disruption, noting the impact of the strike on commuters who rely on in-person work.
- Negotiations between the unions and the MTA resumed slowly on Monday, with some bus companies like Shortline Bus refusing to provide drivers out of solidarity with the striking unions.