Transit strike possible: Pittsburgh chamber

The Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce is warning its members to prepare for the possibility that labor strife could force a Port Authority shutdown this summer.

The chamber advised its members in a letter to have a plan ready if talks break down, cutting off bus and T service to 220,000 daily riders, and has scheduled a brainstorming session March 27.

"That caught our attention right away," said Louise Sciannameo, spokeswoman for Carlow University in Oakland. "We plan to participate. Carlow has a large portion of its student body who do commute. So, we know there's potential for far-reaching impact."

Large employers such as Highmark, Mellon Financial Services and PNC Financial Services Group have, in recent years, lobbied the Port Authority of Allegheny County to preserve routes their employees use.

Highmark is looking for help in formulating a plan should labor talks fail, said spokeswoman Denise Hughes.

"Highmark is concerned about the outcome and what its effect would be on our employees," she said. "While we don't have a contingency plan at this point, we are looking at what other cities do when faced with a similar situation."

One option is beefing up the company's carpool program, which is used by some employees, she said.

Workers had to find alternatives during the Port Authority's 28-day strike in 1992. It ended after the state Supreme Court ruled that then-Mayor Sophie Masloff could intervene, which forced bus drivers back to work.

The Port Authority and the 2,200-member Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85, based in the Strip District, intend to start negotiating a new contract this month. The current contract, which covers 2,600 retirees, expires in June.

Groups such as the chamber fear the parties will not reach a quick resolution because county Chief Executive Dan Onorato has ordered the Port Authority to cut costs in the contract, and the union is not willing to unilaterally cede its benefits.

"It is our hope that cooler heads prevail regarding our labor negotiations," said Port Authority spokesman David Whipkey. "We can certainly understand the need for businesses to meet and discuss contingencies should a work stoppage occur in this time of uncertainty."