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Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority Oct. 17 announced it had reached a tentative agreement with officials from United Transportation Union, which represents 4,300 MTA bus and train operators. If ratified, the agreement would end the 32-day transit strike that has seriously impacted Los Angeles’ transit-dependent residents.

Throughout negotiations, several issues served as stumbling blocks, including the use of part-time employees to reduce overtime. Earlier in negotiations, UTU recommended MTA hire more part timers, says Edward Scannell, MTA spokesman. But MTA and UTU disagreed over the number of part-time employees needed.

"We were seeking to save $23 million in operating costs over the next three years," says Scannell.

Terms of the tentative agreement are being withheld pending UTU and MTA board member ratification.

Meanwhile, MTA negotiations continue with Amalgamated Transit Union, which represents 1,860 mechanics, and Transportation Communications International Union, which represents 650 clerks.

— Kathi Kube