Tense BART negotiations resume with strike looming

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Tense negotiations are underway between the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit and two of its largest unions with a possible strike looming.

Talks began in Oakland with both sides saying Saturday that they are "far apart" on issues involving salary, pensions, health care and safety.

The unions want a 5 percent raise each year for three years, while BART is offering a 1 percent raise a year for four years and wants employees to contribute to their pensions.

BART spokesman Rick Rice says that no progress was made Friday, and he anticipated an extremely long day of bargaining on Saturday.

Antonette Bryant, president of ATU Local 1555, says she remains optimistic that a deal can be reached before the unions' contracts expire late Sunday night.

Via Yahoo News!