NYC Subway, Transit, TWU Strike in NYC

NYC Transit Strike
So just heard news that the transit workers (TWU) in NYC decided to go on strike like they have been threatening to do for several weeks now.
My thoughts:
As much as I believe that they have been treated less than fairly in general by the MTA, they have lost all of my sympathy by appealing to a strike that more than inconveniences, but also seriously affects the lives of over 7 million people who use the subways everyday.
The Transit Workers Union has a history of making excessive demands and of being uncompromising. By having the strike so close to major holidays they seem to have absolutely no concern for the small stores that need the business so much, the people who need to work now to buy gifts for their kids and for the people of the city in general.
As always the people most affected will be those who are the poorest, who need to live far away and who usually have to commute for an hour or longer just to get to work. Those people can't afford the suggested cab shares or van services and are also the ones who will suffer the most if they lose money from missed days of work.
The strike is also illegal and the transit workers will be fined 2 pay days for each day of strike. Somehow I don't feel bad for them this time around.....

Suggested (though ridiculous) options and suggestions by the MTA and the Mayor's office:


Driving Alternatives:
Residents and commuters are encouraged to walk or bike, especially during rush hours. Bicyclists are encouraged to keep to car-free greenway paths and on-street bike lanes (some of which will have orange cones along them for added protection from car traffic). Bikers should review the 2005 New York City Cycling Map, available on the Department of City Planning’s Web site: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/bike/bm.shtml.
Ferries will run more frequently.

Public School Information:
Beginning with the first day of a strike, all regular school start times will be delayed for two hours. School bus times will be delayed two hours as well, to accomodate for the new start time. The end of the school day will not be changed.

Car Pooling and Parking:
Cars crossing the main bridges to Manhattan must have at least 4 passengers. For help finding other people to pool with:
http://www.commuterlink.com/
Alternate side of the street parking rules will be suspended Citywide for the duration of the transit strike.

Keep safe and let's hope for a short strike.