Onorato's order sends a message to Port Authority and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85, which represents the drivers and mechanics.

Local union President Pat McMahon said he does not want to comment on Onorato's order until he reviews it. Port Authority CEO Steve Bland was not available for comment.

Labor costs account for 75 percent of Port Authority's $325.1 million budget. Onorato's order does not specify what would constitute an acceptable labor contract. He said cuts enacted earlier this year for authority managers are a good benchmark. Those cuts included wage freezes, increased employee health care contributions and elimination of lifetime health care benefits.

County councilman John DeFazio, D-Shaler, said he would prefer a less confrontational approach when asked about Onorato's executive order.

"He has a right to say it, but I thought they were going to talk and work it out," DeFazio said. "Everybody's got to work together."

The authority and county want union members to accept cuts that would help the authority's chronically troubled budget. Union members vow to protect benefits they have fought to receive and say the authority is able to make other changes.

The authority, county and union have met several times to discuss contract issues without making much progress. The law requires them to begin negotiating 100 days before the contract expires. Another meeting was planned for this week.