HONOLULU -- The Teamster Union and representatives from Oahu Transit Services are scheduled to meet at 2 p.m. Thursday to resume contract talks in day three of an islandwide bus strike.

OTS sent the union a letter that stated it would pull the benefit "take backs" off the table. It was a major sticking point with the union.

The Teamsters got the letter late Wednesday afternoon and the news was well-received, and opened the door for negotiations to start up again.

The union said talks broke off Monday night after the bus company refused to take the so-called "take backs" off the table. The take backs include items the company wanted the union to give up such as eliminating Election Day as a paid holiday and giving fewer sick leave and vacation days to new employees.

For all of that to happen, the City Council has to pass a bus-fare hike to raise $6.8 million. Council members promised Wednesday that would happen.

"The council is committed to finding the necessary revenues to avoid the need to reduce services that would lead to layoffs for bus employees," Council Chairman Gary Okino said.

While that commitment was made, the council and mayor gave the union a strong message.

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"There is no money for any increase in wages or benefits," Harris said.

"There is no more money for any wage increases," Okino said.

Teamsters' union leader Mel Kahele said a raise may not be a breaking point for a settlement.

"I'm not going to say that there's going to have to be a wage increase. It's up to the negotiating committee," Kahele said.

Talks Hit Airwaves

Earlier in the day, the city and union discussing their positions over the airwaves Wednesday morning. Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris and Teamsters Union leader Mel Kahele traded positions on KSSK radio.

Kahele told DJs Michael W. Perry and Larry Price that the union would consider ending the strike if the Oahu Transit Services put down in writing that the company would cancel "take backs" in service and benefit cuts.

Later, Kahele told KITV 4 News that if OTS moves forward with the proposal in writing, union representatives would return to negotiations, but not end the strike and the picket lines.

"As long as we get a letter from the company, from OTS, not the mayor, from OTS, informing us that the cutbacks are off the table, we will go back on the bargaining table and negotiate a contract," Kahele said.

Harris said he would suggest to OTS that they send a letter to the union stating it would pull the "take backs" off the table.

"I'm working on that and I believe I'll be able to get that today and hopefully that will mean the end of the strike," Harris said. "If the council passes the $6.8 million fare increase, there won't be an cutbacks in bus service, there won't be any people losing their jobs and there won't be any reduction in Teamsters' benefits."