TURNPIKE Union gives strike notice to officials

A strike would be the first for the road since it opened in 1955.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Turnpike workers told the Ohio Turnpike Commission on Tuesday that they will go on strike as early as Jan. 21.
It would be the first strike since the turnpike opened in 1955.
The three-year contract for 704 toll takers and 293 maintenance workers expired Dec. 31, but Teamsters Local 436, which represents the workers, agreed to extend it to Jan. 17.
Gary Tiboni, president the local, gave the turnpike commission a 10-day strike notice Tuesday after workers rejected a fact finder's report.
Key issue
A key issue in contract talks involves the commission's request that workers pick up 10 percent of their health care costs. Workers currently do not pay any of the cost.
The turnpike commission last month authorized the use of flat toll rates if there is a strike.
The price to drive on the state's only toll road would be $1 for a car, $5 for a bus or small truck and $10 for a larger commercial vehicle. Distance traveled would not matter.