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On Sept. 22, labor negotiations between United Transportation Union (UTU) and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) entered a new, quieter stage as state lawmakers came on the scene, and UTU and MTA closed the door to the media.

Mediators from both sides met briefly at 10:30 a.m., then full teams met from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. According to MTA spokesman Edward Scannell, UTU general chairman James Williams said Friday afternoon that both sides had agreed not to say anything unless both sides were present, and assured those gathered that "it’s going to work out."

Negotiators later met with Sherman Oaks Democrat, Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg, who appointed Assemblyman Herb Wesson, a democrat from Culver City, to direct an impartial fact-finding mission to move the parties toward an agreement.

Shortly afterward, MTA and UTU imposed a press blackout.