Like union members who struck the Metropolitan Transit Authority, Jorge De Oliveira wants respect from the private company that fired him before Christmas for refusing to remove his decorations.

De Oliveira told The New York Daily News the plastic Santa Claus, shatterproof ornaments and tinsel decorated his contract bus for five years -- until a woman's complaint three weeks ago.

The woman probably was more upset that he had difficulty finding her pickup location, De Oliveira said.

While a Golden Touch Transportation said safety motivated its demand, it later said it did not want to offend people of many faiths who use the bus.

De Oliveira searched for a new employer and said the decorations will be there for Three Kings Day, "to show them they cannot do whatever they want."

"Even if I lost the job I have to stand up," he said.