PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A tentative agreement has been reached between SEPTA and Transport Workers Union Local 234.
The agreement on a one-year deal came after five straight days of round-the-clock bargaining between SEPTA and Transport Workers. The agreement averts a strike that had been threatened for midnight on Halloween.
SEPTA General Manager Leslie Richards says the one-year deal is a reflection of the $240 million deficit SEPTA faces in the coming year with the expiration of federal COVID relief.
"Since we are looking at this significant gap in our operating budget starting next year, we wanted to give it the best deal we could, but also acknowledging that uncertainty," Richards said.
Richards wouldn't say whether there were specific provisions added to the contract but said SEPTA and Local 234 share concerns about keeping operators and riders safe.
"We have also agreed to always continue talking about our safety and security as well," Richards said. "And we will be working in lockstep together to make our system as safe as possible."
The agreement now goes before Local 234's rank and file for ratification. The SEPTA board will consider it at its meeting next month.
The agreement came just hours after the School District of Philadelphia said they were making contingency plans in anticipation of bus and subway operators going on strike.