SEPTA and Largest Workers Union Strike One-Year Deal to Avoid Transit Shutdown

The agreement includes a 5% pay raise and safety measures for frontline workers but leaves long-term funding challenges unresolved.

SEPTA and Transport Workers Union Local 234 reached a tentative one-year contract agreement, preventing a potential transit strike in Philadelphia.
The deal includes a 5% pay raise for union members, an unspecified pension adjustment, and provisions to enhance safety for frontline workers, such as bulletproof enclosures for drivers.
The agreement requires ratification by union members on December 6 and approval from SEPTA's board, which will vote on Thursday.
SEPTA faces a $153 million budget deficit this fiscal year, projected to grow to $250 million next year, as ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels and federal COVID-19 aid is depleted.
The transit authority has proposed a fare increase of nearly 30% starting January 1 and plans for a 20% reduction in service next summer to address its financial crisis.