MTA Bus Strike

* What is clear in the standoff between the MTA and the bus drivers is that the MTA wants more than a pound of flesh. In an economy that has been so good for so long, one really has to wonder why the MTA is insisting on concessions.

The average hourly earnings of MTA bus drivers are $17.12, or $35,609 per year, without overtime (Sept. 16). The MTA would like to have everyone believe drivers routinely make $50,000. Yes, some do make that, but only by working massive amounts of overtime. Either way, it’s a very tough job, and I can’t imagine anyone could seriously consider the drivers overpaid for what they do.

The second point, which has been talked about even less, is the MTA’s push to eliminate (by attrition) full-time jobs. But the long-term implications are brutally clear: Replace solid, full-time union jobs with more marginal part-timers who will receive fewer (or no) benefits. Shame on you, MTA. Is this how you plan on paying for your fancy new headquarters?

SALLY DEVEZE

San Dimas

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Re “MTA Strike’s Full Impact to Hit Today,” Sept. 18: Blah, blah, blah. “The city and county’s neediest and poorest residents are the ones who are being affected by this strike,” said Supervisor and MTA Chairwoman Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, who accused the union of “thumbing its nose at taxpayers and riders.”

Inept leadership all the way around, from the county administration to city leaders. Nothing but lip service and half-baked press releases. Come on, Valley residents, let’s get out while the gettin’s good.

ROBERT LOVERIDGE

North Hollywood

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Re Shawn Hubler’s Sept. 17 column: With a budget of $2.5 billion from sales taxes, fares and other funds, how dare the MTA try to save $2 million off the backs of its workers? Maybe the MTA should shave administrative costs rather than wages.

LILA EIDE-ETTARO

Topanga

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In the early ‘80s President Ronald Reagan took a bold step and did something most people, including the air traffic controllers, thought was impossible. Reagan fired most of the PATCO union’s air traffic controllers after they went on strike. Of course, PATCO was given the fair ultimatum: Go back to work or be terminated. The air traffic control system was eventually rebuilt and today runs more efficiently. The MTA should do the same. The unions have become too fat and powerful and have taken advantage of the MTA for many years. MTA riders, most of whom are low-income and dependent on MTA buses and trains, have been held hostage by the well-paid unions during each strike. It’s time for the MTA to cut the fat.

D.A. PEIRCE

Los Angeles

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I have been working in downtown Los Angeles for over 25 years and walk at lunch almost every day. Monday, without the buses running, was the first time I can remember being able to breathe air that didn’t smell of diesel fumes. Also, it was quiet; the roar of the buses is tremendous. Diesel particles were not covering my arms.

I know how hard it is for the many people who need the buses for transportation. We need buses, but they should be clean and quiet. The air in an area with a high concentration of buses is not healthy to breathe on a regular basis.

RONALD A. ROSS

Los Angeles