@engineer,
Of course, engineer, the issue here is coming up with such a reasonable compromise that is acceptable to all sides.
Compromise means all parties being able to express their voice, and to have their concerns considered. Linkat's disdainful attacks on the MBTA employees, tarring all of them to the misdeeds of a few, isn't a good way to arrive at the desired solution.
The MBTA union exists to represent the voice of the employees. I find it hard to see how these attacks against the union are justified. What is wrong with the employees having a voice in an issue that clearly affects them?
It will serve all parties best; the MBTA, the employees and the public, if a reasonable policy is formed based on the knowledge and needs of everyone.
Attacking the MBTA employees for having an opinion on the environment they work in doesn't help.