No Deal for PAT-Union

When the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s contract with its drivers and mechanics expired at midnight and no new deal had been reached the contract was automatically extended and a fact finder was requested from the Pennsylvania State Labor Relations Board. That fact finder is expected to be appoint July 15. At that time he or she will take testimony and issue a report within 45 days. At that time both sides have 15 days to review the report and either accept or reject it. During that time the union cannot go on strike and the authority cannot lock out the union. The process was set out by the 2nd class county port authority act of 1959. If one, or both, sides reject the fact finder’s report they can continue negotiations with the help of an arbitrator or there could be a work stoppage. Both sides have said they want to work on a deal rather than shut down the authority.