BART, union try to avert a strike in Bay Area

OAKLAND, Calif. — A top Bay Area Rapid Transit official said he was "cautiously optimistic" of averting a crippling commuter train strike as BART and transit union negotiators worked Sunday toward brokering an 11th-hour deal.

A strike, which the union threatened to begin at 12:01 a.m. Monday, could affect 330,000 BART riders during the busy weekday commute, potentially overwhelming San Francisco Bay Area freeways and straining other public transit options.

BART board president Thomas M. Blalock said contract talks with the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555, which represents operators and station agents, made progress during several hours of talks Saturday.

"We think that there is a reasonably good chance we could settle," he told reporters at a Sunday briefing. "We are cautiously optimistic."

But Blalock warned there still were issues to resolve, mostly involving work rules rather than salary and benefits.

Union president Jesse Hunt said late Saturday that both sides were very close and expressed hope a deal could be reached.

The parties have not detailed all their disagreements.