Overview
- Transport Workers Union Local 234 voted Sunday to authorize a strike, empowering leaders to call a walkout without setting a date.
- The union represents roughly 5,000 bus, subway and trolley operators, mechanics and other employees across Philadelphia’s transit system.
- Key bargaining issues include sick pay rules and the union’s push for a two-year contract, while SEPTA says it remains committed to good‑faith talks.
- TWU’s international president warned they would “shut Philly down” if SEPTA’s offer does not improve, as both sides prepare to reconvene Tuesday.
- SEPTA has completed inspections of all 223 Silverliner IV railcars and faces a Dec. 5 federal thermal‑protection deadline, with 12 Regional Rail trips pre‑canceled Monday and a budget gap exacerbated by the lack of new state transit funding, though the agency can divert up to $394 million in capital funds to operations for two years.