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TWU Local 234 Says SEPTA Strike Is Imminent

Union leaders are preparing to set a walkout date after contract talks stalled.

Overview

  • At a Friday news conference, Local 234 and TWU International leaders said their patience has run out and they will meet to decide when to walk off the job.
  • The union said a strike could be called as soon as tonight, though negotiations continued earlier in the day.
  • About 5,000 bus, subway and trolley operators, mechanics and other workers have been working without a contract since Nov. 7 after voting on Nov. 16 to authorize a strike.
  • The union is seeking a two-year deal with raises and changes to sick-leave rules, along with pension and health-care improvements.
  • SEPTA faces a recurring $213 million operating gap despite recent state actions to free up $394 million in capital funds and a separate $220 million allocation, and officials had previously said they did not expect a strike.