Hawai'i Teamsters and Allied Workers Local 996, which represents 1,300 city bus workers, plans to meet with O'ahu Transit Services Monday afternoon, just hours before its 12:01 a.m. Aug. 26 strike deadline, said Christopher Boucher, a union spokesman.

But OTS, which today said the Monday meeting is "95 percent" certain, also noted that the federal mediator would weigh in on talks within the next week.

"The mediator will not let the deadline pass without requiring discussions," said Marilyn Dicus, an OTS spokeswoman. "The mediator has told us that she will require additional talks. No one is in favor of a strike, including the mediator."

Negotiations broke off Thursday amid accusations from both sides that bargaining was not being done in good faith.

The union’s negotiating committee plans to meet Wednesday evening to discuss all issues and come up with a streamlined, final offer that will be given to the federal mediator.

Union president Mel Kahele has asked bus workers to attend an informational meeting at

6 p.m. Friday at the union hall so that "all members can brace themselves for a strike."

About 700 people are expected.

Boucher said today that Kahele will probably issue a 72-hour notice at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. He said the union members are calling regularly to see what they can do to help.

"They’re ready," he said.