SEPTA workers to continue negotiations Friday, won't go on strike for now
SEPTA and the Transport Workers Union Local 234 will continue negotiations on a new contract after making progress at the bargaining table. Union workers opted not to strike Friday despite having previously authorized one.
The transportation authority and the union spent about two hours negotiating Friday. It's unclear when the next session will be. The two sides ended the day without a new deal.
A TWU Local 234 spokesperson said they still need to see some movement on safety and security for their members.
SEPTA services operated on normal schedules on Friday, though workers can still strike.
"SEPTA is committed to engaging in good-faith negotiations at the bargaining table, with the goal of reaching an agreement that is fair to our hard-working employees and to the customers and taxpayers who fund SEPTA," Andrew Busch, a spokesperson for SEPTA, said.
Initially, workers represented by the Transport Workers Union Local 234 were set to strike at midnight if a deal wasn't reached, but negotiations will continue. The two sides have been negotiating a contract since June.
TWU Local 234 President Brian Pollitt and SEPTA officials both say they want to do everything possible to get a deal done. Both sides understand a strike will impact hundreds of thousands of people in Philadelphia.
"We made significant progress today and there was enough progress made where we decided to not go on strike and continue talking," Pollitt said. "The possibility of a strike is still there, we'll be back on the table at 2 o'clock. I said it to most, all the reporters that I talked to, look, I'm going to do whatever I can and all the power that I have to try to avoid a strike. I'm going to sit down, roll my sleeves up, get with SEPTA and try to make a deal."
On Friday afternoon, the Philadelphia City Council sent a letter to SEPTA urging a new contract with TWU Local 234.
"Labor negotiations are complex and require difficult compromise. However, we urge both SEPTA and TWU Local 2324 to come to the table with a renewed commitment to finding are solution that averts a strike," the letter reads. "We are confident that with continued dialogue, a resolution can be reached that protects the interest of both workers and management."
The last time there was a strike was in 2016.
What are Transport Workers Union Local 234 workers asking for?
TWU Local 234 represents over 5,300 bus, subway and trolley operators, mechanics, cashiers, and maintenance workers.
The union wants a one-year contract with a 10% pay boost, but Pollitt says SEPTA has offered no increase in salary, which Pollitt says is unacceptable.
The union also wants the safety and security of its members to be addressed. It's unclear what they want specifically.
"We are not asking for a lot," Pollitt said. "We just want safety and security not only for our members but for the riding public. And economic justice."
What is SEPTA offering?
SEPTA is countering with a one-year offer with no salary increases and a $1,000 bonus for concessions on health care coverage costs.
A SEPTA spokesperson claims financial troubles make negotiations challenging.
"Because there hasn't been a solution at the state level to add funding for public transportation, we are left with a deficit," SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch said, "and these are having a direct impact on these contract negotiations."
How would a SEPTA strike impact Philadelphia residents?
If the union strikes, all SEPTA bus, trolley and subway services in Philadelphia would be suspended. Service would continue in the suburbs on the Regional Rail and bus and trolley services.
A SEPTA strike could hit Philadelphia families and students hard.
The School District of Philadelphia has estimated that a strike would impact around 55,000 students who depend on public transportation to and from school.
The school district says students may have to shift to virtual learning depending on how a potential strike affects attendance.
Additionally, the district said students who are late or absent due to SEPTA-related challenges would not be marked late or would be excused upon receipt of a note from the parent or guardian. Teachers and staff late arrivals because of the strike would also be excused.
Busch said SEPTA has created a guide for customers with information and tips in the event of a strike.
Mayor Cherelle Parker said Thursday afternoon that if there is a strike, city workers are expected to report to work as scheduled and that the city will be taking measures to help employees with their commutes.
In a letter, City Council said a SEPTA strike would impact 400,000 Philadelphia residents.
"SEPTA plays an essential role in our city, providing affordable and accessible transportation for thousands of Philadelphians, including essential workers, students, seniors and low-income family," the letter reads. "A disruption in service would have devastating effects for all riders and especially for those already facing economic hardship."