Contract talks between the city and the union picked up in March as negotiators intensified discussions on wage increases and other issues.

“We are at a crucial point right now,” District Council 37 Administrator Lee Saunders said, after substantive bargaining sessions on March 9 and 22.

“We are still hopeful that we will be able to reach an economic agreement at the negotiating table,” he said. “But if the current discussions don’t work out, we will have to consider alternative approaches.”

On March 9, the DC 37 Negotiating Committee, which includes the presidents of all DC 37 locals, met with the city and put a comprehensive counteroffer on the table.

The city responded to the demands on March 22.

“Last year’s historic pension legislation and the major agreement on benefits at the beginning of this year demonstrate what can be accomplished when the city and union are committed to reaching settlements that are fair to both sides,” Mr. Saunders said.

“If the cooperative spirit that helped produce the pension and benefits breakthroughs continues, we can settle the remaining economic issues.”