Tentative Agreement in L.A. Transit Strike

Oct. 17 -- Los Angeles bus drivers and rail operators are set to vote tonight on a tentative deal that could end their monthlong strike.

The agreement between union and transit authority officials was reached early today following a marathon negotiation session. The Rev. Jesse Jackson had been working with the two sides in recent days in hopes of brokering a pact.

“We had almost given up, and then we were blessed by an angel that gave us a fresh idea,” Jackson said.

The proposal must still be approved by the United TransportationUnion at a meeting tonight. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority already has unanimously approved the agreement. Both sides refused to discuss details of the tentative pactuntil it is ratified by the union.

If the pact is ratified, bus service will resume Wednesday and subwayservice will resume Thursday, Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesman Marc Littman said.

The MTA normally serves about 450,000 riders daily throughout Los Angeles County.

Contract disputes have centered on over time pay, the timing of shifts and what would happen to workers under a reorganization of the massive transit agency. MTA authorities and the unions representing its drivers, clerks and mechanics argued over a city proposal to reduce overtime paid to bus and rail operators, forcing them to work longer shifts for regular pay.

The disputed plan required the workers to split their shifts by driving during rush hours and going off the clock during off-peak hours. MTA officials said they must cut costs, increase fares or face a $430 million operating deficit over the next 10 years.

The striking bus drivers’ union general chairman, James Williams,said he would recommend that bus drivers and railoperators ratify the contract.

“It’s been long andit’s been hard. We’ve fought a good fight and now it’s time to goback to work,” Williams said. “It’s time to heal all wounds and step forward.”