Some employers need 'boots on the ground'
Raine Mackey, 69, of Westbury, chats on the train with Sean Kuhn, 59, of Hicksville, on Thursday morning. Credit: Rick Kopstein
Raine Mackey, 69, of Westbury, takes the LIRR three times a week into the city.
Mackey, who has commuted for more than 30 years, said she works for an investment banking firm and manages their recruiting and build outs.
If the strike occurs, she would prefer to work from home. A strike would be “inconvenient, coupled with the (upcoming FIFA) World Cup for those who are commuting to New Jersey,” said Mackey, who manages about 20 employees.
Many people commute to her office from New Jersey or Connecticut, Mackey said, and some employees don’t have the flexibility to work remotely.
“There are others, you know, such as our facilities team and our receptionist and our IT folks that really should be in the office,” she said. “We need boots on the ground.”
Mackey said she doesn’t agree with a pay increase for workers if it meant ticket prices would also rise.
Mackey said she receives a senior citizen discount and often buys a 10 pack of tickets, which still amounts to a lot, but the type of ticket depends on her workday.
“I think we pay a fair amount of money,” she said, “It’s, I think, very difficult for many people.”
'We just want to get paid for what we deserve' As LIRR union members picketed for a new contract, commuters and businesses weigh in ... and everyone's frustrated. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.
