Governor Urges Respite in MTA, Union Talks
Gov. Gray Davis called for a 60-day cooling-off period Thursday in the talks between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the union representing bus and train drivers.
Davis asked Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer to seek a court order preventing the United Transportation Union from striking or the MTA from locking out its bus and train workers as the two sides negotiate a labor contract.
Earlier Thursday, the 4,000-member union had set Wednesday as a strike date, if the governor did not call for the cooling-off period. The UTU had asked the governor to intervene last week.
The union contends that contract talks with the transit agency have stalled over wages and benefits. The drivers’ contract expired June 30, although the MTA is honoring its terms while a new deal is pursued.
The MTA claims that the two sides are close to an agreement, and that neither a strike nor intervention is necessary.
In his letter to Lockyer, Davis wrote: “It is my opinion that a strike or lockout would significantly disrupt public transportation and endanger the health, safety and welfare of the public transportation-dependent community in Los Angeles.”
A spokesman for Lockyer said a request for the cooling-off period will be made today.
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