Mass. Toll Workers Reach Labor Deal

Massachusetts transportation officials say they have struck a three-year labor deal that provides pay raises worth $24 million to 410 toll workers and couriers whose jobs will be eliminated by 2016.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation says the tentative deal saves $50 million annually and clears the way for the installation of a new electronic tolling system along the Massachusetts Turnpike, the Tobin Bridge, as well as the Ted Williams and Sumner/Callahan Tunnels.

Drivers will no longer be able to stop at a toll booth and pay cash for their toll.

Instead, tolls will be collected electronically through a driver's E-ZPass transponder or by a new system which allows a camera to record a license plate number and send the registered owner of the car a bill through the mail.

Workers must ratify the new labor deal.