PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — KYW Newsradio has learned that District Council 33 and the Transport Workers Union Local 234 are considering a strike at the same time to turn up the heat in their respective contract talks.
Leaders of District Council 33 and Transport Workers Union Local 234 met Monday to talk about a potential joint strike date if their respective contract negotiations don't make enough progress.
District Council 33 President Greg Boulware confirmed the discussions to KYW Newsradio.
"We feel like the unions in this city need to stay united in our fights, and if we do so, we're stronger for doing it," Boulware said. "We had a good conversation, met with some of their local leaders, and we came to a consensus about potentially doing something together."
Both unions have authorized strikes, but Boulware said District Council 33's authorization would not be finalized until Nov. 14. District Council 33's contract expired in June. Local 234's contract runs out Nov. 7.
Local 234 President Brian Pollitt said in a statement to KYW Newsradio that their union historically has not favored contract extensions of more than a few hours but they will entertain all options this contract cycle if it means a better agreement.
SEPTA Spokesman Andrew Busch said a joint strike date won't create more urgency.
"The status of another labor contract or another negotiation wouldn't factor into this,” he said.
He said the transit agency is staying in touch with the city, though.
"We're keeping those lines of communication open. But our focus is going to remain on the issues for this contract and hammering those out at the bargaining table,” Busch said.
Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Communications Director Joe Grace said the city would have no comment on a potential strike.
“The Parker administration is confident in its approach to labor relations thus far and has reached agreements with all the other municipal unions in the city,” Grace said in a statement to KYW Newsradio. “We remain hopeful we'll be able to do the same with AFSCME District Council 33.”