With the national and New York City economies in a free fall, the Local 100 Executive Board has decided to submit all unresolved contractual issues, including wages, to binding arbitration under the state Public Employees Relation Board.

Local 100 President Roger Toussaint explained that some early negotiating progress hit the skids when Wall Street and the economy began tanking in the fall.

The decision to arbitrate is not a precedent.  The 1982 agreement (the first contract after the 1980 transit strike) was sent to arbitration during a similar economic recession.  And three years ago, an arbitrator was needed to enforce terms of negotiated settlement on management.

In announcing the union’s decision, President Toussaint said: “I have taken every step available to limit our exposure to any decision that would damage our interests.”

Toussaint added that while the arbitration process moves forward, Local 100 would step up its efforts to halt service cuts, token booth closings and fare hikes.  “This will entail a media campaign in television, radio, print and internet and political action, as well as mobilization at key bus and subway hubs,” said Toussaint.