Abstract
The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) had a history of difficult labor negotiations, often resulting in labor strikes by one or more of its unions. It is estimated that an extended strike in 2003 cost the region nearly $175 million. During the period leading up to the 2003 strike, the union-management relationship was described as poor. Ultimately, the strike in 2003 was settled by an impasse procedure voluntarily adopted by labor and management, referred to as "binding-nonbinding arbitration." This type of arbitration requires the two parties to submit their proposals to an arbitrator who renders a decision. Different from traditional arbitration procedures, either side can reject the decision based on a supermajority vote. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]