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Nov 4, 2008 6:51 pm US/Eastern
Port Authority Workers Could Walkout In December
Reporting
Jim Lokay
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
The union representing the Port Authority of Allegheny County's drivers and mechanics is preparing for a possible walkout on December 1.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 says it plans a strike authorization vote around Thanksgiving with about 2,300 members eligible to cast a ballot.
Members of Local 85 have been working without a contract since July, when a previous three-year deal expired.
After several negotiation sessions failed to produce an agreement, the Port Authority's board of directors voted last month to unilaterally impose a new three-year contact upon on the union.
The new pact calls for a three-percent yearly raise.
The union has been seeking a five-year deal with four-percent yearly raises and incremental hikes in health care costs.
The last work stoppage occurred in 1992, when Local 85 members walked off the job for 28 days.
A judge later ordered drivers and mechanics back to work while both sides reached an agreement.
The union last authorized a strike in 2005, but a last-minute assist by Governor Ed Rendell during negotiations helped to avert a walkout.
The Port Authority of Allegheny County is keeping riders up to date on the current contract negotiations on a special website.
Get all the latest details at 
PGHTransitInfo.com!
Stay with KDKA for more on this story.
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