SEPTA faces strike by largest union as contract negotiations continue

PHILADELPHIA – The clock is ticking for SEPTA’s largest union. More than 5,000 Transport Workers Union Local 234 workers are preparing for a possible strike. Members are committed to a fair contract that ensures the safety of both transit riders and workers.

This strike occurred almost a year after SEPTA Police Go on Strike due to the breakdown of contract negotiations for higher wages.

This is the main form of public transport in Philadelphia: buses, trolleys or subways. And Delaware County resident Philon Carter said that without SEPTA, “We would be crippled. No one could go to work, no one could go to school. Couldn’t go to the market, nothing. “

Carter says she uses SEPTA on a regular basis, so she’s concerned about a looming strike between SEPTA and TWU Local 234, which represents 5,300 drivers, mechanics, maintenance workers and custodians.

If the two sides don’t reach an agreement by Thursday, those workers plan to walk off the job.

“This is going to affect everyone, I’m pretty sure even if you have a car, there are some places you just can’t get to without SEPTA,” Carter says.

Darinka Pasich uses the subway to get from Fishtown to the city center.

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“This is very shocking given that this is the main form of public transport that people use to get to and from work and to school,” Pasic says.

SEPTA officials say the only line that will remain available is Regional Rail, which is why they are working with the union to reach an agreement.

The union president says higher wages and safety are key priorities for them at the bargaining table.

“There comes a point where you have to draw a line in the sand, and if we have to go, trust and believe that we have done everything in our power not to,” says Brian Pollitt, president of TWU Local 234.

SEPTA spokesman Andrew Bush says that while they want to work with the union, it is also difficult due to SEPTA’s quarter-billion dollar budget deficit.

“They’re trying to get the best possible deal for their members, for their employees. We have to make sure we’re getting a contract that we can live with financially,” Busch says.

In the meantime, while both sides negotiate, riders will have to find another route through the city.

“I feel like I’ll probably have to take more steps or use Uber and Lyft, but it’s a little expensive for everyone,” Pasich says.

“It’s sad, but that’s what needs to happen for them to get their money,” Carter says.

Union officials say they plan to work around the clock with SEPTA representatives at the bargaining table to reach a deal.

The School District of Philadelphia released a statement about the potential impact on its students in the event of a strike, saying:

“The potential strike would affect nearly 55,000 Philadelphia students who ride city buses and subways. Although the School District of Philadelphia is not directly involved in these contract negotiations, it is clear that the SEPTA strike will impact the district’s operations. “

“I respect the right of union members to protect their interests,” said Tony B. Watlington, Sr., M.D., superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. “I am very hopeful that this strike can be avoided so that we can continue to operate normally and support the social, emotional and academic needs of our students without disruption.”

The District is fully committed to ensuring student learning continues in the event of a SEPTA strike. As the district prepares to support students and their families, here are considerations:

• The District is closely monitoring staffing levels and will provide staffing support to the central office as needed.
• In cases where a strike has a significant impact on student or staff attendance, the District may recommend that the school transition to virtual learning. If so, district and school leaders will ensure that all students, including and especially students with special needs, are equipped with the digital and physical materials they need to participate in virtual learning. Teachers will not provide in-person and virtual instruction simultaneously.
• Students who are late or absent due to SEPTA-related travel issues will not be marked as late or will be excused upon receipt of a note from a parent or guardian. Staff lateness due to SEPTA-related travel issues will be counted as an excused arrival.
• The district is committed to maintaining vital supports for students and their families, such as technology services, safety and more.