O&R UNION: NO STRIKE SET … FOR NOW by Ken Mahoney

O&R UNION: NO STRIKE SET … FOR NOW by Ken Mahoney

The clock ran out at midnight on the latest round of contract talks between Orange and Rockland and its 657 union workers. O&R spokesman Michael Donovan says the utility’s final contract offer remains on the table, and that the current contract will be extended until the dispute is resolved. IBEW Local 503 President Brian Scott tells the Journal News the union won’t strike for now, but that its members at O&R are ready to walk out at any time. O&R reportedly seeks a range of cutbacks in employee benefits. Donovan says the cutbacks are required to meet the needs of O&R’s customers, stock-holders and employees.