We'd be empathetic, if only we had some experience with being stuck in one place, unable to go where we wanted to go.

Prison Doesn't Scare Me, But How Do I Tell My Young Son? [NYDN]

MTA, Union 'Back to Square 1' on Deal [NYDN]

A slow track? You think?

TWU Talks on Slow Track [NYP]

Great, great fucking news: The Transportation Workers Union has rejected the proposed MTA contract. Wandering wayfarer Bucky Turco stumbled upon a flock of rabid, hungry journalists as they descended upon the TWU meeting; even NY1's Bobby Cuza was on the scene to make the breaking news a bit more aesthetically pleasing. We hear the disputed clause — the final dealbreaker by a mere seven votes — involved controversial language that would ultimately disallow MTA workers from watching Harold and Kumar while on the job.

On the upside, should shit get ugly again, it'll be in the 40s through next week. And you have plenty of time to find a fahbulous walking outfit, lest you upset poor Times writer Eric Wilson, who really hated those trainers you wore during the strike.

NY Transit Workers Reject New Contract [AP]
Earlier: Gawker's Coverage of the MTA Strike
Post-Fire, MTA Keeps Vigilant Watch Over 'Harold and Kumar'

Pictured: Roger Toussaint, union president, right before he picks up that 1010 WINS mic and ends the press conference with "TWU-100 wins, motherfuckers!"

New York Transit Deal Shows Union's Success on Many Fronts [NYT]

The three-year deal gives raises of 3 percent, 4 percent, and 3.5 percent; it keeps full-pension retirement age at 55 and keeps pension pay-in levels the same, even for new employees; and it does allow the MTA to recoup some healthcare costs, up to 1.5 percent of wages. The union got some other concessions, too, on maternity leave and retiree healthcare and work rules.

Now please excuse us while we go apply for jobs at the MTA.

(Also, the new agreement runs for 37 months, meaning the next potential strike won't be at Christmastime, though it'll be when it's even more freezing cold out.)

TWU Leaders Okay Pact [NYDN]

Two African-American civil service leaders said Monday they do not consider it racist that Mayor Michael Bloomberg said top officials of the striking union acted "thuggishly."

Which is generous of them. Especially when you consider that holding a city hostage for three days so that your future members can retire at 55 rather than 62 is sort of the textbook definition of being a thug.

We're just saying.

Black Leaders Say Mayor's Strike Language Still Burns [Newsday]

Five things we now know:

1. The strike is definitely, officially over.

2. The first trains and buses could start up within a few hours.

3. It'll be till tomorrow morning before full service is running.

4. There's still no contract, which makes one wonder what the point of this damned thing was, anyway.

5. And, finally, in the Strike: The Movie, Roger Toussaint will clearly be played by Forrest Whitaker.

State Mediators Set Up Plan That Leads to End of 60-Hour Ordeal [NYT]
Forrest Whitaker [IMDb]

Writes a reader just bored enough to go and see what would happen: "A few people did take him up on the challenge, and the cops didn't care because they were too concerned with strike-time traffic flow." Isn't amazing how New Yorkers cope in times of crisis?

After the jump, pictures of fatty man-on-man action. Now just wait for the whole absurdity to grace the esteemed pages of a random lad mag.

*Last night, Michael Bloomberg and Roger Toussaint did the unthinkeable; they turned to Blackface Jesus for mediation and guidance. After BFJ's mother served the trio Ecuadorian mushroom tea, BFJ talked to the two leaders about possible alternatives to the transit strike. Below is an excerpt from the new King James Bible (the A-team made a few additions last night):

BLOOMBERG
Later, we took a leisurely ride on BFJ's scooter.

TOUSSAINT
Michael baby, you're getting ahead of yourself.

BLOOMBERG Sorry, Rogererer. Sorry, So... happy. And so many colors. If I stare at this wall long enough I think I may be able to paint it with my eyes.

TOUSSAINT
So. After tea, which by the way, Mrs. Blackface Jesus, was gum-smacking delicious, Michael and I realized that our similarities were greater than our differences....

OK, it makes no sense, and it's under the impression that Bloomberg has anything to do with this, when he doesn't — the MTA is a state agency — but, still, admit it: You always kind of knew Blackface Jesus would bring peace on earth, or at least at the MTA, didn't you?

Blackface Jesus Part 2 [CL]

Let's just hope they don't take this one away, too.

No Timetable Is Announced for Resumption of Service [NYT]
Earlier: MTA Strike: OK, Now They're Fucking With Us

So you can imagine our disappointment when we reloaded the page a few minutes later and it had disappeared.

NYTimes.com

oral relief for cabbies/limo drivers who work hard during the strike - m4mm - 44
Date: 2005-12-22, 1:53AM EST

clean, attractive regular gwm looking to show my appreciatation to cabbies and other car service drivers who have been doing us all a favor with their work during the strike. No reciprocation necessary. I am hiv- you be too. I am an enthusiastic cocksucker. Send your pic/description and let's figure out how to hook up.

No reciprocation necessary, but he would appreciate a quick ride to work after he's finished.

Craigslist

Transit Strike in Second Day; Stakes Climb [NYT]

That's what you get for fucking with Grand Central's traffic flow.

Pershing Square [NYM]

Don't think us TWU workers don't know what goes on on Craigslist. We gots Internet just like you. So while your skinny white azz is trembling in the cold, I'm at home drinking hot cocoa and watching the the WB channel 9 and I will walk away with a raise that you will pay for. hardy har har. Signed Bubba

and detractors...

Keep drinking your coco you fucking nigger, every day of your strike will cost you three days pay. Bloomberg is going to bury you, he will make you grovel for your job back. So relax and try to get fatter than you are now. Look at yourself, you are a loser fat nigger with no hope of improving yourself. Die Jig.

Gosh, they both have fair points. It's so hard to pick sides...

How ya like us niggaz now, ya freezin crackaz(TWU)
Re: How ya like us niggaz now, ya freezin crackaz(TWU)
Related: Start Throwing Things at the ANIMAL TWU strikers
Do you see the family resemblance?
I got something for all you faggots that have to walk to work...[NSFW]
Bloomberg Does Not Bargain With Terrorists, TWU is Out
Hey Bubba