PHILADELPHIA — The city’s mass transit system may soon be disrupted as a significant number of workers could initiate a strike if a new contract is not established, according to a union representative’s statement on Thursday.
Members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 recently voted to give the green light for a strike, which could take effect as soon as their existing one-year contract with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) concludes at 12:01 a.m. on Friday.
Brian Pollitt, the union’s president, expressed willingness to keep the dialogue open with SEPTA in hopes of averting a work stoppage. However, he cautioned that he might have to make a decisive move of “pulling the plug” if negotiations do not show signs of progress.
SEPTA’s management has been vocal about its financial uncertainties but remains optimistic about reaching a fair agreement. The transit authority has refrained from sharing detailed information regarding the ongoing discussions.
Transport Workers Union Local 234 encompasses around 5,000 members, ranging from subway and bus operators to mechanics, cashiers, maintenance workers, and custodians.
Pollitt highlighted that SEPTA has not adjusted its initial proposal, which he characterized as lacking a wage increase while instead offering a $1,000 signing bonus. This bonus would come with demands for concessions related to health care expenses. The union’s primary request focuses on enhancing personal safety measures for their frontline workforce, many of whom are subjected to violence and harassment while on duty.
