The union representing Port Authority bus and trolley workers has scheduled a membership meeting for Nov. 23 to discuss options in the current labor dispute, including authorizing a strike shortly thereafter.

There has been no word when -- or even if, union leaders maintain -- such a job action will take place by Local 85, Amalgamated Transit Union, which represents 2,300 operators, mechanics, other hourly personnel and first-level supervisors who make up a separate bargaining unit.

However, rank-and-file workers have been expressing growing frustration, tensions continue to rise and the situation remains uncertain.

Union officials have said that a contract imposed by the authority board effective Dec. 1 is illegal but they cannot challenge the action in court until then. Circumstances could change as a result of the Nov. 23 meeting.

Local 85 has characterized a unilaterally imposed contract as a lockout, implying members who do no work will be eligible for unemployment benefits.

Port Authority management said failure to report for work will constitute a strike.

In any case, a suspension of service would directly affect people who account for 230,000 rides a day and would indirectly impact commerce, schools, road congestion, parking and numerous other activities and facilities.

Local 85 President-Business Agent Patrick McMahon was not immediately available for comment. He said last week he would hold the union membership meeting "around Thanksgiving," before the Port Authority plans to go ahead with its imposed contract.

Meanwhile, the authority has informed leaders of Local 29, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, that the same healthcare provisions that it will put into effect Dec. 1 for Local 85 also will be put into effect for approximately 75 IBEW members.

The IBEW represents clerical, customer service, mailroom, treasury, phone information and Downtown Service Center employees.

"They (IBEW) agreed in their last contract that their future healthcare benefits will mirror the new contract with Local 85," authority spokeswoman Judi McNeil said.

The authority-imposed contract, defined as its "last and best offer," gradually raises the union employees' contribution toward healthcare premiums from the current 1 percent to the equivalent of 3 percent of base pay.

Other aspects of the IBEW contract remain intact until it expires next year.