Union leaders representing SEPTA's 220 locomotive engineers
said Thursday they were not optimistic that National Mediation Board talks
between SEPTA and the two rail unions would produce an agreement. A walkout
could begin as soon as 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
A strike by the engineers and 210 railroad electrical
workers would halt service on all 13 Regional Rail lines, which carry about
60,000 people on 126,000 trips on a typical weekday. Bus, subway, and trolley
service would not be affected.
A rail strike could be brief, if Gov. Corbett asks President
Obama to appoint a presidential emergency board to attempt to mediate the labor
dispute. If Obama appoints such a board, the rail workers would be compelled to
return to work for 240 days.
SEPTA is preparing for the possibility of a rail strike by
adding cars to the Broad Street and Market-Frankford Lines during non-rush-hour
periods. The transit agency said its subways, buses, and trolleys are operating
at capacity already during rush hours.
"Therefore, we encourage passengers to flex their work
schedules by coming to work earlier or later than their normal shifts,"
SEPTA said Thursday.
Source: Philly.com
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