Kathy Liebler
Manager, Public Affairs & Media Relations

C  O  M  M  I  S  S  I  O  N       N  E  W  S       R  E  L  E  A  S  E

Media Contacts:  

Bill Capone, 717-939-9551, ext. 3040
Kathy Liebler, 717-939-9551 ext. 2840
Carl DeFebo, 717-920-7176

November 3 , 2004

HARRISBURG, PA. (NOV. 3, 2004) - Contract negotiations between Pennsylvania Turnpike officials and Teamsters Union representatives are scheduled to resume on Tuesday Nov. 9.

Talks between the two sides ended in an impasse a week and a half ago, with Teamsters representatives alerting Turnpike management that the union might call a strike without notice.

Turnpike Chief Executive Officer Joe Brimmeier said today that he hopes a walkout can be avoided. "I am optimistic that we'll be able to resolve our differences and work out a new agreement that both sides can accept."

Because the new bargaining sessions have been scheduled, Brimmeier said that he does not anticipate a labor strike between now and next week.

Negotiations will be held at an undisclosed location in Harrisburg beginning at noon next Tuesday.

Some 2,000 union employees - including toll collectors and maintenance workers represented by Teamsters Locals 77 and 250 - have been working under a contract that expired Sept. 30, 2003.

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 P.O. Box 67676, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7676         Phone: (717) 939-9551         Fax: (717) 986-9649