NYS AFL-CIO on MTA Crisis: The Time to Act is Now!

ALBANY, NY (04/21/2009)(readMedia)-- New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes, who served as a member of the Ravitch Commission, today urged all parties in Albany to work together to negotiate a fair, workable and comprehensive solution to the MTA's budget crisis.

Said President Hughes, "As a member of the Ravitch Commission, I believe that our proposals were sound. In fact, the commission's recommendations have served as the catalyst for a stimulus plan not only to address the economic and transportation needs of New York City, but the entire state of New York. However, as in any negotiation, there are offers, counteroffers, and eventually an agreement. We are now at a point where the offers and counteroffers have been made. As such, the time has come for a fair, workable and comprehensive solution to this crisis.

"First and foremost, any resolution must ensure that working men and women do not bear the brunt of whatever plan is agreed upon. In addition, upstate and downstate considerations must be taken into account. Last, the final plan must meet the financial needs of the capital program of the MTA.

"Time is running short. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all parties involved to sit down and work this out. For the good of the MTA, for the good of New York City, and for the good of the entire state and its working men and women, negotiations must continue in earnest until a fair, workable and comprehensive agreement is reached."

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