IBEW, BLET joint statement regarding SEPTA negotiations

PHILADELPHIA, May 13 — SEPTA’s decision on May 9 to decline the proffer of binding arbitration from the National Mediation Board (NMB) is regrettable. We continue to maintain that binding arbitration is a reasonable and expeditious method of resolving the dispute between the labor unions and SEPTA.

We have been steadfast and patient for over four years while we have negotiated in good faith and would still consider any reasonable offer by SEPTA. The process is now in the hands of the NMB, which must determine when to release the parties from their control and begin a 30-day cooling off period. Because the Railway Labor Act provides that when any party rejects arbitration, the Board shall at once notify all parties that mediation is over, we believe a decision by the NMB to begin the 30-day cooling off period is imminent.

The IBEW and BLET have met with the leadership of TWU Local 234. Local 234 is also confronting SEPTA’s unwillingness to engage in good faith bargaining for new labor agreements covering city and suburban transit workers. We will continue to coordinate our negotiating efforts with Local 234 and other SEPTA transit unions to encourage the Authority to reach fair agreements with everyone. The Unions are united in seeking an amicable resolution to our respective contract negotiations. Our objective remains to reach equitable settlements that address the needs of our members along with our friends and neighbors in the Philadelphia metropolitan area who rely on the SEPTA system.

Source: Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen