RTD's drivers and mechanics union will ask the state Thursday to deny it the right to strike, opening the door to binding arbitration, which the transit agency opposes.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1001, which went on strike for a week in April 2006, is working under a contract that expires Feb. 28. The ATU is seeking a "modest increase" in wages. RTD wants a 3-year pay freeze.

A hearing on Local 1001's notice of intent to strike will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in the second floor conference room at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, 633 17th St.

The union wants the state to deny it. This is a standard move. If the state denies public workers the right to strike, it allows the union to call for arbitration if talks reach an impasse.

RTD is asking the state to grant the right to strike and rule out arbitration. That "will allow us to negotiate a contract directly with ATU leadership," RTD spokesman Scott Reed said.