ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Voting has begun to authorize a strike at TCAT. 

United Auto Workers Local 2300 leaders say the voting is being held until 6 p.m. tonight, March 11 and from 6 a.m.-1 p.m tomorrow, March 11 at the TCAT employee lounge.

TCAT Strike Authorization flier
Posted from UAW Local 2300

The transit agency says discussions about a new 3-year deal with the union covering drivers and maintenances crews continue. General Manager Matthew Rosenbloom-Jones says the strike authorization vote is part of the normal collective bargaining process, adding it doesn’t mean there will be a work stoppage.

“This best and final offer provides the highest starting operator wage among transit systems in upstate New York, and mechanics will see the second highest wage among upstate transit systems,” Rosenbloom-Jones said.

The old contract expired December 31st. If a strike does happen, TCAT says they’ll announce contingency plans.