PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The union representing more than 5,000 SEPTA workers who operate buses, trolleys and subways in Philadelphia said Friday that a strike is imminent.
Members of Transport Workers Union Local 234, which is SEPTA’s largest workers union, have been working without a contract since Nov. 7.
Negotiations with the transit agency began in October.
“I can tell you now that my patience has run out. I’m tired of talking and we’re about to start walking,” said Will Vera, president of TWU Local 234, during a news conference on Friday afternoon.
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Union leaders say they are seeking modest raises, pension increases, changes to working conditions and health care improvements.
“A strike is imminent,” said John Samuelson, international president of the Transport Workers Union. “We are now directing all of our transit division presidents, all of our local presidents from across the country, to come to Philadelphia, the entire staff of the International Union.”
SEPTA says recent meetings have been short and unproductive, but the transit agency insists a deal can be reached without shutting down service.
“We’re urging the union to come back to the negotiating table. There are a number of areas that were agreed on, so we think if we were to resume, we’ve laid a good foundation,” said SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch.
A strike would be extremely disruptive, shutting down bus and trolley service, and all service on the Market -Frankford and Broad Street lines.
Regional Rail workers are not part of these negotiations.
SEPTA has 17 different unions, and officials say a deal with Local 234 will set the tone for other ongoing talks.
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