N.Y. transit-worker board OKs a tentative contract

NEW YORK (AP) — The executive board for the city's transit workers union approved a tentative new contract late Tuesday, five days after it ended a paralyzing bus and subway strike that stranded millions of commuters.

The tentative contract, announced by union President Roger Toussaint, would give workers a 10.9 percent pay raise over three years and require them to contribute to their health care plans. It still must be approved by 33,700 members of the Transit Workers Union.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg applauded both sides for hammering out the agreement and thanked New Yorkers "for their patience and cooperation during a very difficult three days."