Was it a Work Slowdown?

This would change everything.  If today’s New York Post report that New York City snow removal was systematically hampered by a wildcat work slow-down holds true — and that it was ordered by sanitation union bosses protesting staffing cuts — there is going to be hell to pay for public service unions all over the state.  A widespread slowdown of the magnitude suggested is difficult to conceive, but, if accurate, it could provide the battle flag for fiscal reformers all across New York who want to reign in public service union excesses.

The snow emergency is fast becoming an iconic moment in City history. It has galvanized the public in a way rarely seen.  Mayor Bloomberg, rightly or wrongly (I argue wrongly), has been the target of the public’s ire until now, but the history books are still very much open. The wrath of the public and the chattering class is abundantly available for redirection.

The aims of public service unions, and their champion, New York’s left-wing Working Families Party, and those of incoming governor Andrew Cuomo (D) already are on a collision course. The work slow-down, as reported today, would only put a larger hammer in the governor’s hand as he seeks to cut the cost of an unsustainable state government.

A work-slow-down of 2010 could end up being an enormous public service.