It offers hedging, worldwide reference pricing, and the option of physical delivery to settle contracts.

"It's always easy to settle contracts when there are tons of money around," he said.

Next, the mayor settled important contracts for teachers, police officers and firefighters that had been locked up in protracted negotiations.

With the agreement, the leagues settled contracts, adopted common rules and established two eight-team circuits.

One of the biggest unknowns is the cost of settling contracts with the unions representing about 200,000 city employees.

Fourteen other rail unions have settled contracts with New Jersey Transit.

We've settled other contracts over this period of time - and the health insurance issues are separate.

He added that while Republicans controlled the council in 2004 and 2005, the city was unable to settle contracts with its police and fire unions.

City leaders also say the proposed changes jeopardize their ability to keep the city financially stable and settle contracts with city workers.

And it's negotiations that settle contracts with this mayor, not theatrics.