Overview
- The authorization, described by union leaders as leverage, does not set a walkout date and negotiations are scheduled to continue Tuesday.
- TWU Local 234 represents roughly 5,000 workers across buses, subways and trolleys, and union officials said the strike vote was unanimous.
- Key demands include a two‑year contract with raises, changes to sick‑leave practices, and revisions to long‑standing work rules tied to third‑party oversight.
- SEPTA faces a budget shortfall after the state budget added no new transit funding, with up to $394 million in capital funds temporarily shifted to operations.
- Regional Rail remains strained after Silverliner IV fires, with all 223 cars inspected, only 76 back in service, pre‑canceled trips on two lines, and a federal Dec. 5 deadline to add thermal protection circuits.