Union officials denounce MTA memo on probationary workers
MTA officials on Thursday offered a brief response to union accusations that managers are threatening to fire some employees if they go on strike.
A memo by an MTA labor relations official to LIRR employees Tuesday warned that probationary employees are required to show up to work during a strike. “Failure to do so may result in your termination,” the memo said.
Union officials have called the apparent threat “troubling” and potentially illegal.
Asked about the letter, the MTA in a statement said only: “All LIRR employees are required to report to work.”
Alfonso Castillo has been reporting for Newsday since 1999 and covering the transportation beat since 2008. He grew up in the Bronx and Queens and now lives in Valley Stream with his wife and two sons.
