Metro Bus drivers have decided to postpone a strike until Oct. 23 to allow the government time to respond to their concerns.

The strike had been planned for Friday.

Union leader Antenor Guadamuz said that there are concerns about overtime payments owed to the drivers.

Negotiations on the issue broke down yesterday. Under an agreement that the drivers have with the Metro operator Mi Bus, they must wait for 10 days after talks end before going on strike.

"If by the stipulated date there is no response, then we will hold the work stoppage," the official said.

The unions say that 4,256 employees are owed $2.6 million.

Minister of the Presidency Álvaro Alemán said that there is no reason for the drivers to strike. If there is a strike, he said measures would be taken to ensure service continues.

President Juan Carlos Varela called for a continued dialogue to resolve the issue.

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La Prensa