In what could result in a disastrous meltdown of public transportation, BART unions (Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555 and Service Employees International Union Local 1021) officially gave 72-hour notice of a strike starting Monday morning. This doesn't mean that BART will come to a halt next week -- both sides could reach an agreement today or over the weekend -- but it doesn't look good.

"We are not at impasse, and we believe that we could reach a fair agreement that recognizes the extraordinary work that our members perform to maintain BART's outstanding service record and high customer satisfaction ratings," says a letter from the Service Employees International Union. "However, BART's continued refusal to bargain in good faith leaves us with no option but to strike in protest."

According to Mercury News, BART spokesman Rick Rice responded saying, "We will pay attention to it but we certainly expect to be back at the table negotiating, as they said, to avoid this."

Among other issues, unions are upset at BART's plan to make workers contribute to their pensions and pay even more for their monthly health insurance (now at $92/month). Thew unions go on to say that BART is also hiding a $125 million operating surplus, one that could easily help control costs.

Oh, also.

Anyway, fingers crossed from an agreement to be reached at some point between now and Sunday night.

Previously: BART And AC Transit Workers Vote To Authorize Strike