SEPTA strike 'imminent,' union leaders frustrated with contract talks

SEPTA workers could strike as soon as Friday night

More than 5,000 SEPTA workers could walk off the job soon, shutting down nearly all Metro Rail and SEPTA Bus lines in the region.

PHILADELPHIA - The union that represents more than 5,000 SEPTA workers in the Philadelphia area announced that a strike could start as soon as tonight, Dec. 5..

‘A strike is imminent’

What we know:

Union leaders announced plans to strike Friday afternoon.

The Transport Workers Union Local 234 represents more than 5,000 SEPTA workers in the region, including bus, train and trolley drivers, mechanics, maintenance staff, cashiers and custodians. Members have been working without a contract since Nov. 7. 

SEPTA GM on regional rail service disruptions, possible union strike

SEPTA GM Scott Sauer joined Good Day Philadelphia to discuss delays and cancellations that continue to hamper regional rail lines after a federal safety report forced the transit authority to pull some train cars from its fleet. All this comes as TWU Local 234, a workers union, is mulling a strike with their contract a month away from its expiration.

Union workers voted to authorize a strike on Nov. 16. 

"My patience is ran out," said Local 234 President Will Vera. "I'm tired of talking, and we're about to start walking."

SEPTA workers' demands

What they're saying:

Vera said that the union is demanding "modest" raises, pension increases, better working conditions and better health care, all things he called "fair and reasonable."

"I'm tired of telling my new members that they have to wait 15 months before they can get dental," Vera said. "The best I can tell them is to brush their teeth and floss."

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: SEPTA union members vote to authorize strike

John Samuelson, International President of the Transport Workers Union, appeared visibly frustrated with the transportation authority on Friday, calling SEPTA, "the most incompetent transit operator in the United States of America."

SEPTA workers' union says strike is 'imminent'

The union that represents more than 5,000 SEPTA workers in the Philadelphia area The Transport Workers Union Local 234 said Friday that their "patience has run out" as contract talks with the transportation organization as workers continue to work without a contract. Officials said that "a strike is imminent."

When could workers strike?

What's next:

Union officials said they did not have a deadline before workers start walking off the job, but Samuelson said "a strike is imminent. It's going to happen. It may happen tonight. It may happen tomorrow. It's imminent."

Why you should care:

SEPTA is also currently negotiating contracts with two other unions — SMART 1594 and Victory District — and is preparing for the possibility that all three unions may go on strike.

If that happens, the transportation authority said, all Metro lines and all but two SEPTA Bus routes will shut down. Regional rail will still operate.

SEPTA has more information on its website here.