Chronology of MTA Talks
April 19 Negotiations begin between the MTA and one of its unions on a new contract. Initial bargaining sessions with two other unions follow in the next two weeks. Contracts apply to 6,800 bus drivers and train operators, mechanics and clerks.
June 19 United Transportation Union members, who operate MTA buses and trains, vote overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if necessary.
June 22 Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union, which represents MTA mechanics and maintenance workers, give leaders authority to call a strike.
June 30 MTA contracts are set to expire. Gov. Gray Davis invokes a seven-day cooling off period and appoints an independent panel to review issues in the labor dispute.
July 5 Davis asks Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer to seek a court order barring unions from striking for 60 days. The court's decision ensures that MTA bus and rail service will continue through the Democratic National Convention in August. Negotiations continue sporadically during the summer.
Sept. 4 The no-strike order expires. The United Transportation Union and the Transportation Communications International Union, representing MTA clerks, agree to a five-day extension and promise to give the public five days notice of any walkout.
Sept. 7 Davis dispatches the head of the state Department of Industrial Relations to meet with all sides and find ways to mediate the dispute as negotiations make slow progress.
Sept. 9 The United Transportation Union prepares to strike if no contract is reached.
Sept. 11 The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor grants a strike sanction to MTA unions and asks other unions to respect their picket lines.
Sept. 15 Just as the strike deadline is reached, negotiators agree on a 24-hour extension of the talks.