Trump-appointed review boards actually sided with the unions, saying workers deserved more than the MTA offered — so blaming the strike on Hochul ignores who set this mess in motion. In her limited capacity, Hochul moved fast to cushion the blow, rolling out shuttle buses, expanded NICE service and Citi Field parking to keep commuters moving. Workers haven't seen a raise since 2022, and record inflation makes their demands far more reasonable than the MTA admits.