Pace union seeks arbitration

A north-suburban bus driver's union has filed suit against the Regional Transportation Authority and Pace in an attempt to compel arbitration in a collective-bargaining agreement originally to take effect last year.

The suit was filed in Cook County Circuit Court by the Waukegan-based Amalgamated Transit Union Local 900, which represents bus drivers and mechanics in Pace North. The suit says the union has been involved with a mediator since the last agreement expired at the end of 2008. The two sides reached a tentative agreement just over a year ago, but it was rejected by the rank and file. In November, the two sides reached a second tentative agreement, but the Pace board of directors rejected it in February.

The suit asks the court to compel interest arbitration and also asks attorney fees.

A Pace spokesman declined to comment.