The current employment contract for the union workers of BATA who belong to the Teamsters State, County and Municipal Workers Local 214 expires at the end of year.

The Record-Eagle reports that the contract affects 58 bus drivers and mechanics along with 12 dispatchers.

Tom Menzel, BATA's executive director, said he's aiming for a major change in employees' pay rates by tying them to changes in state, federal and local tax revenue. If revenues go up, employee wages would go up at the same percentage rate. Should revenues decrease, so would salaries, he said.

Union steward and negotiator Bob Hopkins Jr. wouldn't comment on specifics about negotiations, but confirmed talks are under way.

"They are slowly moving forward, but it's going to take time," he said.

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Photo: Fishtown by rkramer62.