Gov. Andrew Cuomo Brokers Tentative Deal Between MTA, Transit Workers Union

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Transit officials and the union representing an estimated 34,000 New York City subway and bus workers have reached a tentative contract deal that includes raises but also higher health insurance payments.

Thursday's tentative pact came after Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office got involved Wednesday in negotiations. The last contract lapsed more than two years ago.

"This contract negotiation went on for two years, so you know it wasn't easy," Cuomo told reporters, including WCBS 880's Jim Smith, at his Manhattan office on Thursday. "Two years is a long time.

"It happens when people want it to happen, and there's a sense of trust in the room and trust in the realtionship."

The Transit Workers Union Local 100 asked Cuomo to take part, 1010 WINS' Juliet Papa reported.

The five-year deal needs approval by union members and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board.

Cuomo said it's a fair agreement and said it would not require fare hikes.

Workers would get two years of retroactive raises of 1 percent a year.

There would be a 2 percent raise going back to January, and 2 percent raises in each of the next two years.

Workers will pay a half percentage point more health benefits, but receive paid paternity and maternity leave.

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