The fine "amnesty" that was declared the last time the transit workers went on strike set a very bad precedent. As someone who's been walking 45 minutes from Grand Central to my office every morning and every evening, I wish it weren't so.
the difference is this time they are striking in the cold. in 1980 i think it was in april. Walking in nyc in April isnt that bad, it might even be a pleasant stroll. If it snows now, all hell will break loose.