By Doug Cunningham

Transit Workers Union Local 100 in New York City will appeal a $2.5 million fine imposed for going on strike to protect pensions last year. TWU Local 100 President Roger Toussaint says the decision is unfair.

The judge also hit the union with suspension of its automatic dues collection checkoff system, which could deprive the union of needed operating funds.

Toussaint has also been sentenced to ten days in jail and a $1000 fine. He says he will serve the sentence.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson is supporting the transit union. He said the strike, though illegal, was “a necessary evil” to defend pensions and health care for transit workers in New York City.

Two other unions were also hit with smaller fines. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 726, representing Staten Island bus workers, was fined $125,000; Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1056 in Queens drew a $187,000 fine. The judge has ordered the unions to pay the fines or apply for a payment schedule within 30 days.

The union was fined $1 million for each day of the strike. Corporations that violate labor laws are never fined $1 million a day.