Contracts? We don’t need steenkin contracts with our unions! We are the MTA!

Force majeure shouldn't be difficult to claim, and just about every labor contract I've seen the TWU negotiate has that as an out for management...

Has MTA laid anyone off? I'm sure they could go ahead and give out the raises, but then they'd have to consider adjusting staffing to meet demand...

Allegedly by accepting the federal bailout money they aren't allowed to lay anyone off this year.

The restrictions on airlines accepting "bailout" money is no layoffs thru 3/31/21. That date is quickly approaching. I can't imagine transit got a better deal, but it's possible.

Regardless, I'm pretty sure force majeure can be used to forestall raises. COVID was an unforeseeable circumstance outside MTA's control, and that's what FM is there to deal with.

Both TWU and TA have said there will be no layoffs this year.