Mediator to enter talks with drivers of Wheelchair Vans

A federal mediator will arbitrate talks between four companies that provide 8,000 daily van rides for disabled and frail passengers in New York City and the union that represents their drivers.

The drivers walked off their jobs yesterday after twice rejecting a tentative contract their leaders had signed off on late in August. The strike should continue at least until tomorrow, when the parties are expected to resume negotiations with the mediator and try to resolve their differences over wages and health benefits, according to representatives on both sides. |Read on|