A citizens advisory group to the Port Authority board of directors has petitioned the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board to intervene in the current contract dispute with Local 85, Amalgamated Transit Union.

It wants the PLRB to order a 60-day "cooling off period" during which time neither party could engage in a work stoppage.

The petition was filed by attorney Jonathan Robison of Oakland, longtime community activist and member of the Allegheny County Transit Council. ACTA was created under state law in 1984 to provide rider input to the agency.

Seven other signers included Barbara Simpson, ACTA president, and Marilyn Skolnick of Monroeville, a former Port Authority board member.

Mr. Robison said he wants the PLRB to act quickly to pre-empt a possible service stoppage that could ensue as a result of a contract drawn up and approved by the authority board. The imposed contract is to go into effect Dec. 1, although Local 85, Amalgamated Transit Union, has said such a contract is illegal for 2,300 bus-trolley workers and first-level supervisors.

Yesterday's ACTA action represented the second time in as many days that outsiders encouraged settlement of the dispute.

On Wednesday, 43 business, civic and other organizations urged Local 85 leadership to permit members to vote on a fact-finder's report drawn up several months ago, recommending 3 percent annual wage increases but reducing the authority's long-term legacy costs for pensions and healthcare.

Authority spokeswoman Judi McNeil said even the imposed contract representing the board's "final and best" offer is a reasonable deal.

"By any means, it is neither harsh nor unfair to employees," she said. "It [also] provides 3 percent wage increases in each of the contract's three years, enviable benefits at minimal cost the employee and post-retirement health care for those who work long enough to qualify for it."