Pennsylvania Turnpike Workers Go on Strike

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&ncid=519&e=11&u=/ap/20041124/ap_on_re_us/pa__turnpike_workers

Motorists coasted through Pennsylvania Turnpike toll plazas for free on Wednesday morning after roughly 1,300 unionized toll collectors and maintenance workers went on strike hours before the Thanksgiving holiday rush.

After informal contract talks broke down Tuesday night, union members walked off at 4 a.m. and began picketing at turnpike interchanges before dawn. To avoid backups, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission waived tolls on Wednesday and planned to have nonunion employees staff tollbooths Thursday.

No significant traffic tie-ups were reported, and some areas that normally experience delays at rush hour appeared to be moving more quickly because drivers did not have to stop for tolls, turnpike authorities said.

"By and large, the public is getting used to the idea that, 'Hey, the turnpike is free today,'" turnpike commission spokesman Carl DeFebo said Wednesday morning. "Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I think it's safe to say that things are going to maintain a smooth traffic flow today."

/not sarcastic -> stopping the tolls and toll-related back-ups today IS good timing.

Although my mom will still have to pay cause she's got EZ Pass. Jokes on us!