SEPTA reaches tentative deal with union, averting strike

SEPTA reached a tentative deal with its largest union, the Transit Workers Union Local 234, on Friday, averting a strike.

"A tentative agreement has been reached with TWU Local 234 on a new contract for employees in the City Transit Division," a SEPTA spokesperson wrote. "This tentative contract will allow for service to continue without disruption, including on city subways, buses, and trolleys. The agreement is for one year, and it will be finalized pending ratification by TWU Local 234 members and approval by the SEPTA Board."

The ratification vote will be held on Friday, Nov. 10.

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The union, which represents 5,000 Philadelphia-area transit workers, had threatened to strike on Nov. 1 if the group couldn't reach a contract agreement by the time the contract expired at midnight on Oct. 31.

“I am very pleased that we were able to settle an agreement without a strike. We made substantial gains in wages and benefits and secured improvements in other areas important to our members that also will help the transit system retain and recruit skilled workers,” TWU Local 234 President Brian Pollitt wrote in a released statement. “However, it’s important to note that this one year contract is essentially a work in progress. Many of our concerns related to safety and security will need to be addressed in later agreements.” 

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SEPTA workers had pushed for higher wages and better working conditions during the negotiations. A union representative said the tentative agreement provided workers with wage increases across the board, an increase in pay for new and recently hired operators, a signing bonus for all active union members, retention bonuses to incentive workers eligible to retire to remain on the job for at least another year, and an increase in pension for workers who retire in the next year.

The union spokesperson also said both sides agreed on a variety of work issues that helped limit forced overtime, improve attendance and increase opportunities for time off.

A strike had threatened to shut down buses and trolleys in the city limits and cause changes to the lines that ran outside the city. SEPTA had also warned commuters about potential overcrowding and route changes if the strike occurred.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney released a statement on the strike being averted.

"I am pleased to hear that SEPTA and the Transit Workers Union have reached a tentative agreement and averted a potential work stoppage and service disruption," he wrote. "Transportation workers are essential to keeping our busy region running, and in the last several years they have been on the front lines during extremely trying times. They deserve to be fairly compensated for their hard work and their vital role in our day-to-day lives."