Although SEPTA's largest union is calling for a strike
authorization vote on Sunday, don't expect a strike on Monday, according to
sources close the situation.
SEPTA negotiators have dug in on certain issues, sources
say, and furious members of the TWU union are likely to pass the strike
authorization easily. A strike would shut down subway and bus service.
TWU President Willie Brown will hold a press conference
on Monday to update the public on the negotiations.
Brown told me earlier this month that it's not a question
of if the union strikes, but when. Riders will certainly be holding their
breath next week.
The sticking points seem to be pensions and health care.
Brown says that SEPTA management workers get significantly higher pension
benefits than union workers.
Regional rail won't be affected by any strike, since
those workers signed a new contract last week.
SEPTA issued the following statement Friday afternoon:
The parties continue to meet in negotiations to reach an
agreement. Although the union has scheduled a strike vote for the weekend, we
have been given no indication that a work stoppage is imminent. A Service
Interruption Plan will be release if and when the situation changes.
Source: Philadelphia
Business Journal
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