Philadelphia SEPTA Strike: Transit Workers Union Local 234 Workers to Remain on Job as Negotiations Continue Friday

SEPTA and TWU Local 234 Averted a Strike, for Now

SEPTA and the union representing its workers, the Transit Workers Union Local 234, reached a tentative agreement late Thursday night, hours before a strike deadline. The agreement came after days of negotiations and averted a strike that would have crippled the city’s public transportation system.

The tentative agreement includes a 12% wage increase over four years and a $1,500 signing bonus. The union had been seeking a 15% wage increase over three years, while SEPTA had initially offered 8% over four years.

The agreement must still be ratified by the union’s membership, but that vote is expected to be successful.

What Led to the SEPTA Strike Aversion?

The SEPTA strike was averted due to a combination of factors, including:

• Pressure from riders and elected officials. Riders and elected officials put pressure on both SEPTA and the union to reach a deal.
• The economic impact of a strike. A SEPTA strike would have had a devastating impact on the city’s economy, costing businesses millions of dollars and disrupting the lives of hundreds of thousands of commuters.
• The willingness of both sides to negotiate. Both SEPTA and the union were willing to negotiate and compromise in order to reach an agreement.

What’s Next for SEPTA and TWU Local 234?

The tentative agreement between SEPTA and TWU Local 234 is a positive step, but there is still work to be done. The agreement must still be ratified by the union’s membership, and the two sides will need to continue to work together to implement the agreement and ensure that the city’s public transportation system continues to operate smoothly.

Conclusion

The averted SEPTA strike is a reminder of the importance of public transportation and the need for both sides to work together to reach fair and equitable agreements.