PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The union representing 5,000 SEPTA employees voted on Sunday to authorize a strike if a contract deal isn’t reached by the end of the month.
The Transport Workers Union Local 234 is the largest union of SEPTA employees, comprised of bus, trolley, and subway drivers, mechanics, custodians, and cashiers across the city.
Aside from wage and pension increases and better benefits packages, the TWU is also negotiating the language surrounding safety, with both employees and SEPTA riders in mind.
“It’s not just a contract for Local 234,” said Brian Pollitt, union president. “It’s a contract for Local 234 members and the citizens of this region.”
Union leaders say they are still at odds with SEPTA over a few issues. The current contract expires Oct. 31.
“We got to make the job more attractive for new employees by raising the pay,” Pollitt added. “If we don’t take back this system and rid itself of the crime that’s happened on the system, we’re going to lose our paychecks. And it’s going to inconvenience the citizens of the region.”
In a statement, SEPTA said it has been engaging in a productive dialogue with the union and it is hopeful an agreement can be reached before the current agreement expires.
Negotiations have been in the works since July.