PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — SEPTA union workers in Philadelphia will remain on the job for now as negotiations continue on a new contract.
A possible strike was set for midnight, but both union and SEPTA leadership say that won’t happen just yet.
“We’re willing to go the extra mile and grant additional time to reach a fair agreement,” said TWU Local 234 President Brian Pollitt. “However, let me be clear if SEPTA’s managers fail to meet our demands, we will be on the picket line.”
If a strike were to happen, it would halt service in the City of Philadelphia. The service interruption would impact some 55,000 students who rely on city bus and metro services, the School District of Philadelphia said.
READ MORE: SEPTA Strike Guide 2024: What to know if workers hit the picket line
The school district has released the following list of considerations in the event of a strike:
- The District is closely monitoring staffing levels and will deploy Central Office staffing support, as needed.
- In cases where student or staff attendance is dramatically affected by the strike, the District may recommend that a school move to virtual instruction.
- In such a case, District and school leadership will ensure that all students, including and especially those with special needs, are equipped with the digital and physical materials they need to participate in virtual learning. Teachers will not deliver in-person and virtual instruction at the same time.
- Students who are late or absent due to SEPTA-related travel challenges will not be marked late, or will be excused upon receipt of a note from the parent or guardian.
- Staff late arrivals due to SEPTA-related travel challenges will be recorded as excused.
- The District is committed to maintaining vital support for students and families such as technology services, safety and more.
Benjamin Franklin High School senior Meyonna King Jordan is one of the students who could be impacted.
“Because I live in Germantown, so I live farther in Germantown so I would have to catch the bus and the train to go to school,” said the 18-year-old.
Students’ commutes and education could be impacted if there is a strike.
“I rely on SEPTA 80% of the time to get anywhere,” said 18-year-old Aleanna Ramos who is a senior at Central High School. “Everyone here uses SEPTA to get to school so I guess either I’m not coming or the school’s gonna have to figure something out for us.”
Superintendent Tony Watlington says the district is keeping a close watch on the situation.
“No matter what happens, schools will open and we’ll be prepared to receive students,” said Watlington.
The school district says that if there is a strike, students who are late or absent due to SEPTA-related travel challenges will either not be marked late or excused if they have a note.
He added that though in-person learning is the “gold standard,” virtual learning may be recommended if student or staff attendance is dramatically affected by transit issues.
“I can’t do virtual again,” said Ramos. “COVID messed me up really bad grades-wise, personality-wise. I cannot do virtual again.”
SEPTA has released a guide with travel times for riders in the event of a strike. That guide is posted here at SEPTA.org.
How will SEPTA be impacted?
Spokesperson Andrew Busch said that if the union does call a strike, it would shut down all bus, trolley, and subway/EL services within the City of Philadelphia.
“That core part of the network that covers all of Philadelphia would be out of service,” said Busch.
Regional Rail would run into the city as normal, and the suburban transit services — buses, Routes 101 and 102 trolleys, Norristown High-Speed Line — would operate.
After the strike authorization vote last month, union representatives said they are fighting for more pay and improved safety and security.
“They can find some money to come to the table and find the economic justice we’re seeking,” said Brian Pollitt, the president of Local 234.
Pollitt said their first proposal to SEPTA was a one-year contract with a 10% wage increase, but SEPTA countered with a $1,000 bonus if members made concessions to their healthcare.
The union said they rejected the offer. SEPTA would not discuss specifics, saying the talks are in flux.
The union represents more than 4,500 workers, operating buses, trolleys, and subway lines in the city of Philadelphia.
The union’s president says SEPTA has the funds to tap into.
“They have close to a $600 million rainy day fund,” said Pollitt.
But SEPTA argues that is simply not true.
“We need that fund to pay bills every month,” said Busch. “That money doesn’t sit aside it’s not a cash reserve,” Busch explained.
The transit agency is facing a $240 million deficit after COVID-19 relief funds expired. Recently, SEPTA proposed changes, including fare increases and eliminating free parking, but they need a long-term fix on the state level explained Busch.
The union also said in this contract they were also promised greater safety measures.
“We’re looking for bulletproof vests for operators who want them. We’re looking at a bulletproof enclosure for the bus operator,” said Pollitt.
Pollitt said they began negotiations in June and have shown a strong working relationship with SEPTA.
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