Sources: Port Authority Union Plan Rejected

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Emotions are running high as the transit union and the Port Authority try to negotiate a deal that would avoid severe cuts in service.

This morning, a proposed concession deal between the Port Authority and the transit union fell through when Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato rejected the planned givebacks.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 president Pat McMahon was angry as he left the Allegheny County Courthouse after a meeting with Onorato this morning.

"What they want to do right here is exactly what's going on in this country," McMahon said. "It's an assault on the working class, working America! They want to throw the labor movement under the bus! They want to bust this union and that's what they're doing! Exactly what's going on in the whole country! It's right here – Port Authority of Allegheny County!"

According to McMahon, the offer on the table involved the Port Authority drivers and mechanics giving up a proposed three percent increase in salary that was set to take place this year. Also, they would take a 10 percent across the board pay cut, resulting in about $11.6 million in savings.

Sources tell KDKA's Marty Griffin the union numbers were unacceptable, not accurate and that the plan will not work.

Sources close to the negotiations say the only acceptable plan is the $30 million plan - $20 million in cuts and $10 million in revenue.

Union leaders say they will not accept that.

As things stand now, 15 percent of bus and trolley service will be cut on Sunday to bridge a massive operating deficit.

KDKA AM's Larry Richert and John Shumway interviewed McMahon before this morning's meeting. Listen to it here:

Jim Ritchie, the Port Authority's spokesperson, later responded to McMahon's comments:

Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.

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