UPDATED: 6:50 p.m.
“They led us to believe that we were almost there and then at the last minute we have to call the strike. It’s unfortunate,” said Troy Parham, Vice President of FOTP Lodge 109.
Parham said the dispute centers on work rules. He declined to elaborate on them publicly, but said the union’s bargaining team is ready to resume talks at any time.
The strike is not going to affect service at all throughout the entire SEPTA system. The buses, trains, trolleys and subways will continue to operate. The only difference is SEPTA Transit Police supervisors will be out patrolling the system along with Philadelphia police, and some suburban police departments will be assisting at some of the suburbs.
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SEPTA’s Andrew Busch called the situation frustrating and disappointing.
"Over the past couple of years we have lost nearly 50 officers, which is approximately 20 percent of our workforce to better paying jobs." He says having fewer officers puts public safety at risk.
Another complaint from the union is a disparity in pay between officers and management-level employees.
In a statement, SEPTA stated they have "been negotiating with the FOTP in hopes of reaching a fair and equitable contract agreement," and they "urge the FOTP to return to the bargaining table so a resolution can be reached."