A Late Night Bargaining Session

(New York- WABC, December 13, 2005) (WABC) -- In a bargaining session that lasted much longer than expected, Eyewitness News has learned the MTA made a counter offer to the union about wages.

However, it was not the offer union representatives were looking for.

Eyewitness News Reporter N.J. Burkett has the story from Midtown.

New Yorkers have a gut feeling, and it's not good.

Rider: "I think they might strike."

Another rider:"I think that it would be a problem if they did strike, a lot of people depend on the trains."

It did not help when the union president arrived for around-the-clock negotiations insisting there was a 50/50 chance of a strike.

Roger Toussaint, TWU President: "We believe there is plenty of time, ample time, to reach a successful conclusion in time, provided the MTA bargains in good faith."

According to the MTA, a typical subway conductor makes $53,900 in salary and overtime.

Bus drivers average $62,500.

And motormen -- $62,440.

The union is demanding annual increases of 8 percent for three years -- for the average worker it's a $5,000 raise.

But insiders say pension and medical benefits may be the most contentious issues. That is, the MTA wants to raise the retirement age and make new employees pay a portion of their medical premiums.

If and when it happens, a strike could cost New York half a billion dollars a day in police overtime and lost revenue.

The city went to court seeking an injunction as Mayor Bloomberg urged both sides to get serious.

Mayor Bloomberg: "The city has come up with productivity savings and I think the MTA and the TWU together should do exactly the same thing."

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