PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — SEPTA contract negotiations hit a snag this week, as union reps walked out of talks over pension contributions.
“SEPTA reported that negotiations were productive. However, that’s far from the truth,” said Bill Bannon, executive vice president of Transport Workers Union Local 234, which represents about 5,000 city bus, subway and trolley operators. “The union walked out of negotiations [on Monday] when it came to talks around our pension.”
SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch said the union is seeking an increase.
“What they’ve brought up is a request for a pension enhancement. That’s going to be difficult financially at this time,” he said.
Another sticking point for the union is health care. Busch said health care costs have gone up for everyone, including SEPTA employees.
“The proposal that we gave the union includes some modest adjustments to co-pays. But again, those are things we can continue to discuss at the bargaining table,” he said.
“SEPTA wants to increase your deductibles and your co-pays,” Bannon countered. “Make no mistake: Local 234 will not be paying for the mismanagement of SEPTA.”
In a video message to members, Local 234 President Will Vera said the union has not set a strike deadline yet, but members should be ready.
“Enjoy this holiday,” he said. “Next week, I need you to prepare as we prepare to make our next move.”
No date has been set yet for negotiations to resume. Members of Local 234 have been working without a contract since Nov. 7.