But some labor analysts said the shortage has set the service industry on a new course.
Historians and labor analysts say they have just begun to study the impact of the drop in government jobs in the city.
But several labor analysts said they did not expect the unrest to end soon.
Outside Congress, several labor analysts were quick to criticize the unions' basic strategy in pushing for the striker-replacement legislation.
Still, many labor analysts agree, the tactic is seldom used and applies to only a small fraction of the work force.
But several labor analysts said that the union was able to save face, at best.
But labor analysts, looking behind the figures, paint a less than rosy economic picture for the county.
Politicians, planners, economists, labor analysts and business people say Long Island has forged a separate economic identity.
And labor analysts say they think real change is afoot in the union.
Several labor analysts said they expected a fairly smooth transition.