SEPTA workers could strike as early as Friday | Here’s the potential impact on riders in the Philadelphia region.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Time is running out for SEPTA to negotiate a new contract with its union workers.

Members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 could picket as early as Friday if an agreement is not reached by then.

They voted last month authorize a strike.

SEPTA said Wednesday it expects negotiations to continue through Thursday.

The contract expires at 23:59 Thursday. SEPTA said it was not yet clear whether the union would go on strike, saying the decision would be made by union leaders.

SEPTA spokesman Andrew Bush said that if the union goes on strike, it will shut down all buses, trolleys and subways/ELs in the city of Philadelphia.

“A major part of the network covering all of Philadelphia will go down,” Busch said.

Regional rail will enter the city as usual, and commuter services – buses, trolleybuses 101 and 102, and the Norristown High Speed ​​Line – will operate.

SEPTA has issued guidance outlining travel times for passengers in the event of a strike. This is the guide posted here on SEPTA.org.

After the strike authorization vote last month, union officials said they were fighting for higher wages and improved safety.

“Safety and security for my members and the riding public,” said Local 234 President Brian Pollitt. “And we seek economic justice.”

In October, union members said ongoing violence in the city was becoming a serious problem for them.

“It seems like we’re not as important as they like to say, because if they were, safety would be paramount,” Andre Jones Sr., vice president of TWU Local 234, said at the time.

Pollitt added that the union needs additional precautions to ensure the safety of members.

“We even recommended that they even withdraw the National Guard because the situation is so bad,” he noted.

A SEPTA spokesman said the transit agency is taking safety concerns into account.

“I think the union and I have a lot in common on this issue,” Bush said.

However, he also explained that raising wages would be difficult as SEPTA faces a financial crisis as Covid-19 relief funds expire.

“It does impact our ability to really understand some of the economic issues associated with this contract,” Bush said.

City residents told Action News that the possibility of a strike is worrying for those who rely on SEPTA every day.

“This is going to be a big inconvenience, not just for me, but for everyone,” said Tonya Green, a West Philadelphia resident who rides SEPTA almost every day. “It’s a vital way for me and others to get to work.”

School District of Philadelphia plans possible SEPTA strike

The School District of Philadelphia said it is making plans in case a SEPTA strike begins Friday.

The strike will affect 55,000 students who ride city buses and subways, officials said.

The District has released the following list of considerations to keep in mind in the event of a strike:

• 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.

School district officials will release another update on the situation Thursday.