Don't expect quick resolution of a labor dispute between the Port Authority and its unionized employees on the agenda Sunday when members meet with their union leaders.

Officers of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 rejected a fact-finder's report in September, just after it was accepted by the Port Authority's board, and they don't believe the rank-and-file members have a more favorable opinion of the deal.

There is even less for members to like in the transit agency's latest plan -- imposition of a three-year contract that raises hourly pay an average of 3 percent per year but also increases employee contributions to health care and pension costs.

So far, the positions of those involved in negotiations show no signs of softening.

President Patrick McMahon says the union is committed to working under the terms of the old contract, which expired July 1, until a new one is negotiated.

Port Authority Executive Director Steve Bland and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato remain just as adamant that the transit agency cannot keep paying out the generous health and retirement benefits it contains. Instead, they say the agency's last-best offer will go into effect Dec. 1.

The best thing that can happen, and soon, is for everybody involved to take a deep breath and blink in this dangerous game of chicken.

Union members must recognize that, particularly in the current economic climate, most workers would jump at the chance for any raises at all and that their current benefits package is unrealistic. Workers no longer should expect to retire at age 55 with health care for life at only a nominal cost.

Mr. Bland and Mr. Onorato need to stick to their plan of reducing onerous legacy costs, but they must remain open to trying to negotiate a settlement.

If the buses stop running, hundreds of thousands of county residents won't easily be able to get to work, do their shopping, visit their doctors, attend classes or otherwise take care of the business of daily living. Businesses will suffer, politicians' stars likely will fall and the region's reputation as a place where development is welcome and sustainable will be permanently damaged.

The region cannot afford that.