PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — SEPTA's Transit Police have been without a contract since the end of March. Now, the union representing them wants SEPTA to enter voluntary binding arbitration. In exchange, the police will waive their right to strike.
SEPTA spokesman Andrew Bush said the transit agency has no interest in entering voluntary binding arbitration — the same dispute‑resolution process used by nearly every police department — with Fraternal Order of Transit Police Lodge 109.
He said the board is reviewing the union's counterproposal and that SEPTA would like to resume contract talks at some point.
"Our belief is that the best way to resolve these situations is to continue to talk at the bargaining table, so that is what we are going to focus on with FOTP. We think we have a fair offer on the table, and with continued negotiations, we think we can get it done," Bush said.
FOTP Lodge 109's President Omari Bervine said this is not about leverage; it’s about responsibility.
"The city is coming into a critical period where we really can't afford to have this kind of uncertainty in terms of transit policing. Officers are here to protect the public. We are just asking SEPTA to step forward and kind of join us in that responsibility."
The sticking points include pension, health benefits and the timing of pay raises.
They have been without a contract since March
They have been without a contract since March
