Davis Seeks to Avert Bus Strike During Convention
LOS ANGELES — Seeking insurance against a strike during the Democratic National Convention in mid-August, Gov. Gray Davis on Wednesday asked state Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer to seek a court order declaring a 60-day cooling off period in contract talks between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and transit unions.
A three-member Board of Investigation convened by Davis reported that a work stoppage or lockout “will significantly disrupt public transportation services and endanger the public’s health, safety or welfare.â€
The board estimated that a shutdown of the MTA bus and rail system would cost the MTA, downtown businesses, MTA employees and vendors $3.5 million a day.
The MTA is negotiating with three unions, including bus and train operators and mechanics. The last contracts expired June 30. Bus and train operators have voted to authorize union leaders to call a strike but no date has been set.
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