By Jesse Russell

Transit workers picketed throughout New York City on Tuesday, threatening to strike over contract demands. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is calling on employees to take on new duties once their current contract expires on December 15. A major sticking point is the reduction of conductors on trains, a move Roger Toussaint, President of the Transport Workers Union local 100 said raises major security concerns:

[Toussaint]: We will never agree to that. Especially in the aftermath of September 11 and security needs. It is lunacy.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at a press conference that he doesn't believe the workers will strike because it would be illegal. However the Daily News reported on Monday that the Mayor has been preparing a strike battle plan. Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke at one rally, telling the workers that if they stick together, they will win.