SEPTA Workers Prepare for Possible Strike, Impacting Thousands in Philadelphia

SEPTA workers, represented by the Transportation Workers Union Local 234, are on the brink of a potential strike that could significantly impact the city of Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. The strike is set to begin at midnight on Thursday, November 7, if a new contract agreement is not reached with SEPTA management by then.

The union, which represents approximately 5,300 SEPTA workers including bus, subway, and trolley operators, as well as support staff, has been negotiating for better wages and improved safety and security measures. Key issues include the lack of progress on salary negotiations and the need for enhanced safety measures, such as bulletproof vests, additional cameras, and more law enforcement presence in the subway system. The union has highlighted the shooting death of SEPTA bus driver Bernard Gribben last year as a critical example of the safety concerns.

SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch acknowledged the ongoing negotiations but emphasized the challenges posed by SEPTA’s funding crisis. With the exhaustion of federal COVID relief funds and lower ridership levels, SEPTA is facing an annual operating budget deficit of nearly a quarter billion dollars. This financial strain has complicated the negotiations, particularly regarding wage increases.

A strike would have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only commuters but also thousands of students who rely on SEPTA for their daily commute to school. The School District of Philadelphia has warned that nearly 55,000 students could be impacted, and the district is making contingency plans to ensure minimal disruption to their education. Students who are late or absent due to SEPTA-related issues would not be penalized.

In the event of a strike, all city bus, trolley, and subway services would be halted, while Regional Rail and suburban transit services would continue to operate. SEPTA has released a guide for riders outlining travel times and alternative options in the event of a strike.

Both sides are working to avoid the strike, with union president Brian Pollitt expressing a commitment to finding a solution through ongoing negotiations. However, the union is prepared to take action if their demands are not met.