SEPTA Facing Possible Strike by Transport Workers Union — CEO and General Manager Quits
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
Photo by David C. Lester
David C. Lester
PHILADELPHIA –– SEPTA's largest local of the Transport Workers Union, 234, may strike in early November after the current contract expires, with talks over a new one stalled.
SEPTA management has announced that the agency is having significant financial trouble that is not being addressed in Harrisburg (the state capital) and is largely due to the depletion of pandemic support funds and declines in ridership.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer the union has already, indeed, unanimously voted to call a strike. Members of Local 234 comprise about 5,000 trolley operators, mechanics, maintenance people, bus and subway operators, along with custodians.
Local 234 President Brian Pollitt said during the vote that “We’re looking for safety and security, for our membership and the riding public, and economic justice. What they’re offering so far isn’t satisfactory.”
Subway worker Jay Quinn said “It’s about time. Safety is the big concern for everybody,” after the vote to authorize the strike concluded.
Like a number of transit agencies, SEPTA’s financial trouble could point to cuts in service and an increase in fares. To add to the problem SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards announced her unexpected and unexplained resignation last week, noting her last day would be November 29.
On the flip side, SEPTA workers have been offered a one-year contract without raises.
According to the Inquirer, SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch said “A major factor in these negotiations is SEPTA’s ongoing funding crisis. SEPTA is facing an operating budget deficit of nearly a quarter billion dollars annually. We continue to work with Gov. Shapiro and legislative leaders on sustainable, long-term funding, but at this point, there is no solution in sight.”
