As the fourth extension on contract negotiations between Phoenix bus workers and the company the hires them drew to a close, the company locked workers out. The company said that it was their only option, and that it would be in place until a contract agreement was reached. The company also said that the union was delaying a resolution of the contract agreement. The union said that 62 of its workers were out of work, but that other workers without contracts may have the same issue in the next few days. The union said that they may put up a picket line, and will file charges with the National Labor Relations Board today. The negotiations have stalled around job security, with the company asking for a clause that would allow them to outsource workers without consulting the union.
See "Phoenix transportation workers locked out after contract disputes", CNN, October 3, 2010