New SEPTA strike looms for riders in Pa. suburbs as another union's deal expires

As the union representing the operators of SEPTA's Philadelphia subway, trolley and buses continues to negotiate a new deal, a strike on a second front looms for the transit agency and it could bring service in the suburbs to a halt.

SMART Local 1594, the union that represents SEPTA workers in Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, could go on strike.

Hundreds of workers who keep buses and trolleys rolling in the suburbs and the Norristown High Speed Line on track could walk off the job if they don’t reach a deal with SEPTA. 

However, the union told NBC10 Monday afternoon that talks with the agency have concluded for the day and will continue on Tuesday and so will service for riders.

The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, Transportation Division, Local 1594’s contract officially expires at the end of Nov. 18, 2024, SEPTA told NBC10.

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SMART authorized the strike more than a week ago. The union is asking for better pay and safety measures. 

Should the suburban SEPTA union workers strike, commuters would be forced to drive or use Regional Rail service as the transit agency said there is no backup plan to keep the suburban buses, trolleys and NHSL trains running.

SEPTA said talks were set to continue Tuesday.

SEPTA negotiating deals on two fronts

This fight in the suburbs is like the one happening in the city where SEPTA’s largest union – TWU Local 234 that represents workers on Philadelphia’s Market-Frankford and Broad Street line subways, trolleys and over 100 bus routes – also fights for better pay and safety measures.

TWU Local 234 and SEPTA have been in talks since the summer and the union has been threatening a strike for weeks after their contract expired. 

Were told talks about protecting workers -- including adding ballistic shields for bus drivers are moving forward. But, as SEPTA faces a $240 million deficit, talks about increased wages have stalled. 

There was no indication, as of Monday morning, that workers in either union would walk off the job just yet as bargaining continues.

Commuters are hoping deals can be done to keep trains, buses and trolleys moving in Philadelphia and the suburbs.