PHILADELPHIA — A strike by the union representing Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority rail transit and bus operators is imminent, the leader of that union said on Friday.
The Transport Workers Union of America said in a press release that SEPTA has refused to negotiate on quality-of-life issues for members of TWU Local 234, and that the union is prepared to strike “at any time.”
TWU International President John Samuelsen says the transit agency “is attacking our health benefits; they’re attacking our retirement security. They’re not taking this contract negotiation seriously.”
Members of the union have been working without a contract since Nov. 7. WPVI-TV reports that Local 234 President Will Vera said his “patience has run out” at a Friday press conference. “I’m tired of talking and we’re about to start walking,” Vera said.
SEPTA characterized recent meetings as short and unproductive, but spokesman Andrew Busch told the station that the agency is urging the union to resume negotiations: “There are a number of areas that were agreed upon, so we think if we were to resume, we’ve laid a good foundation.”
The TWU represents more than 5,000 SEPTA workers, and is seeking pay, pension, and health care improvements, along with changes to work rules. A strike would halt bus, trolley, and rapid-transit operations; Regional Rail service would not be affected.
Looks like a strike has been averted pending ratification…
https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/septa-workers-strike-twu-234-union-contract/
The Unions don’t seem to know or care that Transit railroads are generally broke. Fares cover only a small part of the budget – the balance is funding from states. And states tend to be reluctant to increase subsidies.
The public sector unions don’t need to know or care because they sit on both sides of the bargaining table. Democrat – Socialist unions bargain with Democrat – Socialist public officials.
Roald Reagan telling the air traffic control union to go stuff it was a one-off. As things stand now, it’s like it never happened.
Mr. Landley,
Given that the Democratic Socialist Party is an operating subsidiary of the AFL-CIO, should that be a surprise?
Also, it should be noted that Ronald Reagan was the first U.S. President to be a former union president.