SEPTA workers will vote to authorize a strike if an agreement is not reached by November 7

The union representing transit workers announced Sunday that its members voted to authorize a strike at SEPTA.

Transport Workers Local 234 said in a statement that 100% of its members present at the vote said they support a strike if the union and SEPTA fail to reach an agreement on their contract by midnight on November 7, 2024.

Negotiators offered “basic, reasonable proposals” for higher wages and improved safety, the union said. “We don’t ask for the moon.” TWU President Brian Pollitt said. “This is exactly what every person deserves – security and economic justice.”

SEPTA said in a statement that the agency is “committed to negotiating in good faith to reach an agreement that is fair to our hardworking employees and the customers and taxpayers who fund SEPTA.”

However, SEPTA said the ongoing budget crisis is hurting its ability to negotiate. City leaders said SEPTA is currently facing a problem Operating budget deficit of $240 million..

“We continue to work with Governor Shapiro and legislative leaders on sustainable, long-term funding, but no solution is in sight at this time. This harsh reality impacts these negotiations as well as SEPTA’s ability to provide critical transportation services. throughout the Philadelphia region,” their statement said.

The union’s strike authorization vote came a year after SEPTA bus driver Bernard Gribbin was shot and killed in the Germantown area of ​​Philadelphia.

Gribbin had worked for SEPTA for 12 years when he was shot multiple times while driving a bus on Route 23. Zhontay Capers, 21, was charged with murder and other charges in connection with his death.

The shooting also occurred as TWU Local 234 and SEPTA were negotiating a new contract.