(a) Collective bargaining.--The board acting through the general manager shall have the right to bargain collectively and enter into agreements with labor organizations. The board acting through the general manager shall recognize and be bound by existing labor union agreements where they exist between labor unions and transportation companies that are acquired, purchased, condemned or leased by the board. It shall designate their duties and require bonds of those of them as the board may designate.

(b) Compensation.--The compensation of the general manager, counsel to the board, secretary and controller shall be fixed by the board. For all other officers, employees, attorneys, engineers, consultants and agents, the board shall establish salary scales. The general manager shall establish, within these salary scales, compensation levels based upon written appraisals of performance for all employees under his control. The secretary and the controller shall establish, within these salary scales, compensation levels based upon written appraisals of performance for all employees in their respective offices.

(c) Other offices or employment.--With the exception of the secretary, any of the officers and employees described in subsection (b) may be appointed, retained, hired or employed on a part-time basis and may be engaged in other business or professional activities. No salaried executive officer of the authority shall hold any other office in or be an employee of the Federal, State or any county or municipal government except an office or employment without compensation or an office in the military reserve or National Guard.