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COTA workers reject contract proposal

Central Ohio Transit Authority bus drivers and mechanics rejected a tentative contract agreement last night, meaning a strike that began on Monday continues. The deal would have provided total wage increases of 7 percent over three years and would have decreased  worker pension benefits. Their union leaders say pay, benefits, and driver safety are among the reasons workers rejected the proposal. The previous contract expired in November, and workers rejected a state fact-finder's recommendation in April. COTA President Curtis Stitt says there is no plan to provide service for
tonight's Red White and Boom fireworks display in downtown Columbus. More than 500-thousand people are expected to attend. 

Jim has been with WCBE since 1996. Before that he worked as a reporter at another Columbus radio station, and for three newspapers in Southwest Florida.