Local 100: Pact Can Be Reached In Negotiations;
Resists MTA's Push For Arbitration Of Dispute

By GINGER ADAMS OTIS

Transport Workers' Union Local 100 filed contract demands Feb. 23 with the Public Employment Relations Board, and at the same time presented papers opposing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's request for binding arbitration.

ROGER TOUSSAINT: Wants deal at table.

The union said a new agreement could be reached through negotiations, although the proposal the MTA filed with PERB Jan. 25 is a bare-bones offer devoid of sweeteners, including the promise of a pension reimbursement for approximately 20,000 workers.

It also called for a 6-percent employee contribution toward pensions, up from the current 2 percent workers pay.

Toussaint: Can Negotiate

Local 100 President Roger Toussaint, whose own demands reportedly reverted to his pre-strike position, has said the path to a negotiated settlement could be created if the MTA were willing to return to the table. Since the contract was voted down Jan. 20, the two sides have held informal meetings but no real talks.

Two locals of the Amalgamated Transit Union ratified virtually identical terms less than a month after the Local 100 deal was torpedoed by a 7-vote margin out of more than 22,000 ballots cast.

Mr. Toussaint is opposed to binding arbitration because it robs individual members of their right to vote on a contract.

Local 100 won't release the details of its argument against binding arbitration or discuss its contract demands until PERB has had a chance to look the documents over.

One union source told the New York Times Feb. 23 that Local 100 proposed turning its $130 million pension refund into a one-time cash bonus for eligible workers. The source said the union made that move in case PERB leans toward arbitration; state law prohibits panels from considering pension-related issues.

Local 100 also requested more security training, a freeze on staff cuts related to new technology on bus and subway lines, and a change in the disciplinary process for workers.

Where things go from here depends on PERB. The board can tell the union and the MTA to meet with mediators, or it can declare that further bargaining is fruitless and lay the groundwork for a three-person panel to start arbitration.