The Milwaukee County Transit System and its bus drivers' union return to the bargaining table Thursday, but if their words on Wednesday are any indication, a contract agreement is a long way off.

\"I'm not planning on doing a job stoppage.  The problem is, is the company ready to go talk?\" said Union President James Macon at a Wednesday afternoon press conference.  He criticized Milwaukee County as he has in the past for not agreeing to take this dispute to arbitration.   But he stopped short of directly threatening a strike, like the three day walkout that created problems for commuters during Summerfest.

MCTS released a sharply worded statement of its own Wednesday, criticizing union leader Macon for using \"vulgar language\" and accusing him of threatening a strike.   

\"Macon is hoping his antics distract the public and media from the true cost of his contract demands.\" said the statement.  \"He's demanding $9 million more than what MCTS can afford.\"