I am sure that when this kerfuffle is resolved, your average Manhattan commuter will go back to being quiet, dignified, and cheerful to these striking workers (and pigs will fly)
Being an average Manhattan commuter I can say with authority that it is a lot better than TV / movies make it out to be. People generally *are* nice to each other, say excuse me, say thank you etc...
It was different in the past. It is much better now.
As a veteran of the 1980 and 1966 (65?) strikes I can assure you that though they may not smile at the returning strikers, everything else will be business as usual. Just another episode of life in the big city.
This Manhattan commuter will because 1) 2 wrongs don't make a right, and 2) many of these workers don't want to be on strike, but are afraid to cross picket lines. When I cross paths with a transit worker, I'll have no way of knowing if that was one of the anti-strike workers.