NYC transit workers ratify contract

The union representing 34,000 New York City transit workers approved a contract Thursday, a month after tense negotiations that nearly shut down the city's buses and subways, reported the Associated Press. The Transport Workers Union members accepted the contract with 60% of members voting in favor, union officials said. The contract provides a $1,000 lump sum the first year and raises of 3% the second and third years. In addition, negotiators said the number of disciplinary actions against employees will be cut in half in response to employees complaints that the old system was unfair and demeaning, said the AP. The agreement will be ratified at a MTA board meeting next week.