New talks are scheduled for Monday. http://www.startribune.com/stories/373/4675138.html
While 1,000 people showed up for a rally at the capital on Thursday, I'm not see a huge outpouring of support for the striking workers. Maybe I just don't watch enough TV news. http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/8221959.htm The striking workers should have received their last full paycheck on Friday and now their insurance bill will soon be due. http://www.atu1005.com/Contract%20Updates.htm "If a strike was to go beyond the first month, under Cobra Law, you would be responsible for the entire premium amount plus 2%. *Family coverage is $1,131.10 plus 2% for a total of $1153.72. *Single coverage is $452.43 plus 2% for a total of $461.47." Money stashed away in anticipation of the strike will not last long at that rate. The alternative for the workers is to drop their healthcare coverage for the duration of the strike. Their union may pay the picket line workers $150 per week, but the union is not going to cover the premiums. Right now it appears that the Met Council can hold out a lot longer than the transit workers. Tom Searles Waconia, Twp. _______________________________________________ Twin Cities Metropolitan Issues Forum http://www.e-democracy.org/tcmetro Rules: Sign posts with real name. You may not post more than twice a day.
