The Port Authority Board of Directors today voted to unilaterally impose the authority's final best offer on the its drivers union on Dec. 1, a step it says is allowed when impasse has been reached in negotiations.

"It became painfully clear to Port Authority management earlier this week that the prospect of reaching a negotiated settlement with the leadership of (Amalgamated Transit Union) Local 85 was hopeless," said Port Authority CEO Steve Bland. "The negotiating process reached absolute impasse and Port Authority sees no other alternative at this time."

Mr. Bland had signaled his intention to ask for the board action, telling the Post-Gazette for a story today that the union had refused to budge.

Pat McMahon, president of Local 85, said he believes an "imposed contract" is illegal and the board's action would likely be challenged in court.

After today's meeting, he unleashed a barrage of criticism against the board, Mr. Bland and County Executive Dan Onorato.

"They're pointing fingers and blaming the union, the same as they've always done in the past," Mr. McMahon said. "It's the Port Authority that has been stonewalling from day one. They're willing to spend money to fight us, but they're not willing to spend the time and money to settle the contract."

He indicated that union employees would continue to do their jobs and keep the system running -- at least for a while.

"We care about the citizens of Allegheny County and our riders," Mr. McMahon said. "We're not going to do that (strike) to them."

He did say, however, "They're forcing us into a corner" and, come Dec. 1, if the authority can't meet payroll and other expenses and starts cutting service, the action will be tantamount to a lockout requiring union people to sign up for unemployment.

According to the authority, the contract being imposed on the drivers will give them 3 percent wage increases each of the next three years.

It will require bus and trolley operators to pay 7.5 percent of healthcare premiums next year and 10 percent after that.

It will eliminate post-retirement healthcare completely for ATU employees hired on or after Dec. 1.

ATU employee pension contributions will rise from 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent next year and 6.5 percent thereafter.