Members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 (TWU 234) met with SEPTA officials Sunday morning to discuss contract negotiations. Shortly into the meeting, workers in the Union voted unanimously to authorize a strike.
Currently, the TWU represents over 5,000 SEPTA bus drivers, subway, and trolley operators. Negotiations with SEPTA began earlier this year, but the union’s contract expires Oct. 31 at midnight. At that time, if workers do strike, they can walk off the job.
Officials from the TWU 234 stated that members are refusing to extend the contract. Some of the issues that are concerning SEPTA workers include pension plan reform, quality health care, and quality service to the public, such as safety for passengers and fatigue issues for drivers. According to SEPTA workers, the strike will begin November 1st.
Depending how long it could take for a deal to be reached, the strike could potentially last through Election Day. The strike will affect SEPTA’s services in Philadelphia, including busses, trolleys, and subways will be shutdown. Area’s outside Philadelphia and SEPTA’s Regional Rail services will not be affected during this time.
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