Negotiations are scheduled to resume Wednesday, and Government officials say they will present a new wage proposal.

The wage deferral proposal was in two parts.

Radio talk-show performers are having a picnic with the Congressional wage proposal.

Management says it will present its wage proposal on Monday.

Union members struck the company in 1986, protesting wage proposals and changes in medical benefits.

Under the minimum wage proposal, the rate would increase from the current $5.15 per hour in three increments, reaching $7.25 in June 2009.

Labour's minimum wage proposal would add 10p to the price.

Just enough Senate Republicans support the minimum wage proposal to pass it if it ever comes up for a vote.

City officials refused to discuss the likely size of wage proposals or possible contract strategies in any detail, and said no plan had been formed.

He said the railroad's basic wage proposal - a 19.5 percent increase over four and one-half years - was acceptable.