MTA, transit union reach tentative accord

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the board of the Transport Workers Union have reached a tentative settlement in their negotiations over a new three-year contract. The deal requires transit workers to contribute 1.5% of their salaries toward health care premiums, which would cut into pay increases of 3%, 4% and 3.5% over the next three years. Union members previously paid no health care premiums. Contract differences between the MTA and the union led to a three-day walkout that began Dec. 20. It was first transit strike in New York City in 25 years. The union's 33,700 members are expected to vote on the agreement early in January.