Philadelphia's mass transit system averts a strike by reaching a deal with its largest workers union
Philadelphia’s mass transit system has reached a tentative contract deal with its largest workers union
Philadelphia's mass transit system has reached a tentative contract deal with its largest workers union, averting a potential strike that could have seen thousands of employees walk off the job.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and Transport Workers Union Local 234 announced the one-year agreement Wednesday. It calls for union members to receive a 5% raise and an unspecified pension adjustment. The contract also has language aimed at improving the personal safety of frontline workers, including installing bulletproof enclosures for drivers since many face violence and harassment.
Union President Brian Pollitt said a ratification vote would be held Dec. 6.
The agreement comes about two weeks after union members had voted to authorize a strike once their one-year contract with SEPTA expired Nov. 8. Union leaders, though, agreed to delay a strike as long as they felt progress was being made at the bargaining table.
Local 234 has about 5,000 members, including bus, subway and trolley operators, mechanics, cashiers, maintenance people and custodians.
Pollitt said Wednesday that avoiding a strike was a priority, noting that public transit is a “necessary need” for many residents, including students who take SEPTA trains and buses to school and workers who rely on the agency to get to their jobs.
«We got a fair deal, and now we need to focus on making sure SEPTA stays strong for everyone who depends on it,» Pollitt said.
Scott Sauer, SEPTA's interim general manager, said both sides worked hard to reach a deal.
“This agreement is fair to our hardworking frontline employees and responsible to the
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