31.   Batterman said that most employees did not join the union, except in the months just before contract negotiations.

32.   Before Brown made an offer to host the talks, contract negotiations broke down over salary and pension proposals, about which sources say there is not great disagreement.

33.   Bloomberg has not been specific about his plans for contract negotiations.

34.   Bloomberg declined to get drawn into contract negotiations Thursday, noting that Mayor Rudolph Giuliani was still involved in them.

35.   Board President David Cantelme wrote a letter to Hill asking him to reopen contract negotiations.

36.   Bowden said he was hopeful that the Reds and Larkin could resume contract negotiations.

37.   A more emotional issue in the contract negotiations is job security.

38.   A season that began with contract negotiations is ending with thoughts of a four-week stint in the military for Chan Ho Park when the season ends.

39.   A season that began with contract negotiations is ending with thoughts of the military stint.

40.   According to Montgomery, there were three criteria he followed during his off-season contract negotiations with Robinson.