“The Great Train Robbery: Back for More” – An Empire Center Report Reveals Alarming $1.3 Billion MTA Overtime Expenses
As commuters brace themselves for higher fares and drivers face the burden of congestion tolls, a recent Empire Center report sheds light on the shocking $1.3 billion paid in overtime by the MTA last year. This figure surpasses previous records, with an increase from $1.1 billion in 2021 and $1.35 billion in 2018. The data, made available on SeeThroughNY, unveils that 288 employees from the Long Island Rail Road earned more than $100,000 in overtime, making it the agency with the highest number of six-figure overtime recipients. However, this alarming trend extends beyond just one agency, as over 1,100 MTA employees managed to double their annual salaries through overtime payments. Surprisingly, 566 employees individually collected more than $100,000 in overtime. Furthermore, Metro-North Railroad reached a new record of $131 million in overtime expenses.
According to the Empire Center, the one-year rise in overtime costs, totaling $171 million, is almost half of the anticipated revenue generated from the recently approved toll and fare hikes, projected at $369 million. While it is acknowledged that occasional reliance on overtime may have been due to staffing issues, it is clear that these numbers cannot be fully justified by such claims.
The Post and Empire Center have been relentless in highlighting these skyrocketing overtime costs in recent years. Regrettably, the MTA has failed to introduce work rule changes or implement a modern system to address this abuse. In fact, it seems that the agency has discontinued the public release of detailed overtime reports. The Empire Center’s report reveals that nearly 600 LIRR workers earned over $100,000 in overtime last year.
It is imperative for agency chief Janno Lieber and the MTA board to take a stand against the unions and their workers. Relying on the elimination of detailed overtime reports is not a satisfactory solution. Governor Kathy Hochul, despite her close ties with organized labor, must thoroughly scrutinize the MTA’s union contracts and overtime expenses. A financially stable MTA is crucial for the future of New York City and the state as a whole. Megaprojects on the horizon must not serve as mere opportunities to feed the union’s overtime demands. Commuters who pay fares and tolls deserve greater value for their investments.
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