Philadelphia’s transit workers declined to strike when their contract expired March 15, as talks continue between the transit agency and TWU Local 234. Negotiations opened on December 16 for about 4,700 of the city’s subway, bus and trolley operator and mechanics. 

“We understand that the riding public depends on our members getting them to and from work . . . that is why we are determined to keep negotiating until we reach an agreement,” Local 234 President Willie Brown said in a statement to the press.

Although the two sides were far apart on wages, benefits and subcontracting issues, the union did not take a strike-authorization vote. “We won’t take a strike vote unless we feel it is necessary, and as long as we feel we are making progress in negotiations, the riding public has nothing to worry about from our union,” Brown said. 

Three suburban SEPTA union contracts are set to expire in April, so a strike postponement now by Local 234 could set up a coordinated strike. That happened in 2005 during the last TWU strike, which lasted seven days. 

At the opening of negotiations, Brown said that as ridership has increased and state funding has improved, “it is clear that we are entering negotiations at a time when the authority is positioned to expand and improve service to the riding public.” 

The Local 234 leader is joined at the negotiating table by Executive Vice President Brian Pollitt, Secretary-Treasurer Joe Coccio, and the other elected officers of Local 234.

TWU is seeking 6 percent annual raises and a $25-per-month increase in pension payments for each year of service. Brown said Local 234 also wants changes in subcontracting and training provisions of the contract to allow TWU members to do more warranty and other repair work now done by outside contractors.

Although the economic downturn affects the talks, SEPTA’s balance sheet is in better shape than usual thanks to new state funding provided in large part by the recent toll increase on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Also, SEPTA’s $200 million share of federal stimulus money means the agency is poised to catch up on deferred maintenance and renovations. 

In addition to making a case for wage and benefit improvements, the TWU negotiators are addressing “the expensive sub-contracts, including maintenance and repair work on SEPTA vehicles, that our Local 234 members could have done right in the first place and at far less expense,” Brown said.

Noting that members would be ready to strike if necessary (the union was forced to use that option 11 times in the past 33 years), Brown said members recognize that improving service to riders will also benefit them. “That is all the more reason why we need to settle this contract and get about the business of making SEPTA the best transit authority in the world,” he said. “We hope that SEPTA will join us in that effort.”