Bee-Line bus workers ratify contract ending seven-week strike

After almost seven weeks of striking, Bee-Line bus drivers ratified a new contract Wednesday.The settlement ends a 49-day-old strike that stranded about 10,000 riders across the Bronx. A spokesman for Liberty Lines, which operates the buses, said bus service would resume on Saturday. The main sticking point in the negotiations had been the age of retirement. Members of the Transit Workers Union Local 100 wanted a retirement age of 57 with full benefits, while Liberty Line said the age would remain at 60. Under the new four-year contract, Liberty Lines decided to lower the retirement age to 59, with full pension benefits. Union members were also offered a 3.5 percent cost of living raise and a family health benefits package. Commuters are told they will not see an increase in fares or taxes under the new contract.

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