Peoria transit workers vote 104-0 to authorize strike

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) - Transit workers in the Peoria area have voted to authorize a strike but their officials with their union say they're hoping to avoid a walkout.

The (Peoria) Journal Star reports (http://bit.ly/2gCb1p4 ) Amalgamated Transit Union Workers Local 416 members voted 104-0 Sunday for strike authorization. Union president Ron Cox says the union is negotiating with CityLink over health care and contract length. The current contract with about 140 workers expires at midnight Wednesday.

CityLink is the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District . It serves Peoria, Peoria Heights and West Peoria. It also has contracts with Pekin and East Peoria.

CityLink general manager Al Stanek declined to discuss details of contract negotiations but said Sunday that "we are very close to an agreement." He says CityLink hopes to speak with union workers before Thursday.

___

Information from: Journal Star, http://pjstar.com