Transport workers' illegal strike due to bring chaos to New York

New Yorkers have more on their minds than shopping this Christmas – such as how they are going to get to the shops in the first place, or to work. The answer, thanks to the threat of a transport strike, may be on foot or by bicycle.

The city is facing paralysis starting on Sunday, when bus and underground workers are due to start an illegal strike unless management and unions can agree on pay levels in the next 72 hours.

A strike would close down a system that carries 7 million passengers a day and cause chaos on the clogged roads. New York is preparing for the worst – even taxi drivers may be staying at home out of sympathy, and extra ferries are being rushed in.

The Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, has said he will cycle the six miles from his home to his offices– with his police bodyguards cycling alongside. He has ordered that no car be allowed to enter or leave Manhattan with fewer than four people inside. Drivers will be expected to fill their cars with strangers if necessary.

"We will not be cowed," declared Mr Bloomberg, who denounced the unions for even talking about a strike that would be illegal under state law. "We will take advantage of every legal remedy and we will not let anybody stop this city from going forward."

There is even talk of fining union members $25,000 (£16,000) for every day they stay off the job.