SEPTA, Local 234 Begin Contract Talks Well Ahead Of Expiration Date In March
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The union representing thousands of transit workers in Philadlephia says they’re starting contract talks with Septa well in advance
Transit Workers Union local 234 says they’re getting the negotiations underway today, seven months ahead of the March 14th expiration date of the City Transit Division contract with Septa.
They say they’ll also address contracts for suburban and frontier transit divisions. Those contracts affect over 5,000 unionized workers with Septa, and many many more commuters who rely on mass transit – including those who remember back in 2009 when busses stopped running in the middle of the night.
Former Septa rider Jean Lavonn says that strike forced him to buy a car.
“Cost me an arm and a leg, but I’m not going through that again, So Septa goes on strike? Good luck to them,” he said. “I can always get to work now.”
That strike, four years ago, lasted six days.
“I mean you understand what’s at stake here,” one man said in Center City. “I mean why do you have to be out on strike before you start? Do it before the deadline, I think that’s what you’re typical citizen wants, pretty much.”
The union says they’re starting negotiations on things like safety, training, and work rules which too often, get lost amid finaincial issues. But the commuters’ advice to both sides is compromise, work together , and get it done.
Source: CBCPhilly.com
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