MBTA, Union Sue Over Arbitrator's Pay Award

MBTA management and the union representing some workers have filed dueling lawsuits in a dispute over an arbitrator's award that would increase T workers' salaries by an average of more than 10 percent.

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority officials say the raises outlined in the arbitrator's decision would cost $62 million to $88 million, a sum that would put the transit agency in financial jeopardy.

An official with the Boston Carmen's Union said in a message to its 6,000 members, which include MBTA bus and subway operators and maintenance crew, that the T is trying to shortchange them in fighting the award.

A T spokesman tells The Boston Globe the arbitrator did not give due consideration to the MBTA's financial ability in her decision.