Hazardous air quality forecast for much of Minnesota Thursday as fires grow

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

During his recent travels around the country, Gov. Tim Pawlenty made a pit-stop in Tennessee to speak at the Republican Party's annual dinner.

In his June 25, speech, Pawlenty touted his efforts to reform "that entitlement perspective in Minnesota."

"the longest transit strike in the history of the United States of America shut down the bus system for 44 days because our bus drivers thought it was okay to work for just 15 years and then have the government pay for their health insurance for the rest of your life."

A quick Google search shows that the 2004 Metro Bus strike is hardly the longest in U.S. history.

Pawlenty cites this bit of Minnesota history often, according to Alex Conant, a spokesman for Pawlenty. In an e-mail, Conant wrote, "it turns out it was only the longest in the modern history, and there have been some that were longer."

Indeed, here are a few transit strikes that beat the 2004 Metro Bus shut-down:

•	In 1983, workers for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority staged a 108-day strike.

•	In 1967, Honolulu bus drivers stopped working for 68 days in an effort to get better pay.

•	In 1958, Los Angeles bus drivers launched a strike that lasted 54 days.

Pawlenty's characterization of the 2004 Metro Bus strike is off by a long-shot. This claim is false.

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), 

Longest stoppage halted buses for 68 days 

Buses Put in Shape to Roll Again Today After End of Long Strike,

Interview, Alex Conant, spokesman, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, July 1, 2010

Politics and Government News

Capitol View®

Catharine Richert

Author

Pawlenty wrong on length of longest transit strike

PoliGraph: Pawlenty misses on strike comment

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox