SEPTA Union Leaders Speak Out About Possible Strike
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Transit Workers' Local 234 voted unanimously on Sunday to authorize a SEPTA strike, which would impact the buses, trains and trolleys. Union leaders spoke out Monday afternoon.
A decision on whether to strike could come as soon as Friday.
"It's not something that we take very lightly," Local 234 President Willie Brown said.
Brown briefed reporters saying the union and SEPTA are as far apart as Pennsylvania and California and SEPTA must use the next four days to close the gap on key issues like pension reform, and arbitration to avoid a strike.
Brown says the union will give the public at least 24 hours notice. He says next week's election is not a consideration on when to strike.
"It's about the issues," he says, "it's not that we want to strike -- we have to strike."
SEPTA leadership has said it is willing to continue negotiation.
SEPTA issued a statement Monday saying it "continues to provide reasonable wage, pension and health care benefits for all employees." And that the agency "hope[s] to continue meeting with the union to negotiate a new contract."
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