SEPTA Workers Avoid Strike as Union Reaches New Contract Deal
The Philadelphia Metropolitan Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and the Transport Workers Union Local 234 have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, averting a strike by the authority's largest bargaining unit of around 5,000 employees. The two-year deal includes significant wage increases, improved pension benefits, enhanced healthcare coverage, and better tools and clothing allowances.
The union, which represents bus, trolley, and subway operators, as well as mechanics, cashiers, maintenance workers, and custodial staff, had been operating without a contract since November 7. Union leaders had threatened to go on strike if negotiations failed, but the intervention of Governor Josh Shapiro appears to have averted that scenario.
The new deal includes a 3.5% wage increase in each year of the contract, as well as increased pension benefits for retiring workers and improved health care coverage for new employees. The union also gained an increase in differential night pay, the first since 1995. Additionally, the contract contains provisions to improve service reliability by better managing worker absences.
"We expect to be able to move those talks along now that this is in place," said SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch. "This contract sets the basic pattern for the others in terms of wages and benefits."
SEPTA officials praised Shapiro's involvement, saying it helped get the sides back to negotiating. The union must now vote on the new contract before it can be approved by SEPTA's board.
The deal also comes as SEPTA prepares to negotiate with another union, SMART Local 1594, which represents around 300 bus, train, and trolley operators in surrounding counties.
The Philadelphia Metropolitan Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and the Transport Workers Union Local 234 have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, averting a strike by the authority's largest bargaining unit of around 5,000 employees. The two-year deal includes significant wage increases, improved pension benefits, enhanced healthcare coverage, and better tools and clothing allowances.
The union, which represents bus, trolley, and subway operators, as well as mechanics, cashiers, maintenance workers, and custodial staff, had been operating without a contract since November 7. Union leaders had threatened to go on strike if negotiations failed, but the intervention of Governor Josh Shapiro appears to have averted that scenario.
The new deal includes a 3.5% wage increase in each year of the contract, as well as increased pension benefits for retiring workers and improved health care coverage for new employees. The union also gained an increase in differential night pay, the first since 1995. Additionally, the contract contains provisions to improve service reliability by better managing worker absences.
"We expect to be able to move those talks along now that this is in place," said SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch. "This contract sets the basic pattern for the others in terms of wages and benefits."
SEPTA officials praised Shapiro's involvement, saying it helped get the sides back to negotiating. The union must now vote on the new contract before it can be approved by SEPTA's board.
The deal also comes as SEPTA prepares to negotiate with another union, SMART Local 1594, which represents around 300 bus, train, and trolley operators in surrounding counties.
they just avoided a strike and got some amazing deals - like, who doesn't love more money and better benefits? 
i'm all about good vibes only, especially when it comes to our public transportation workers! 
their hard work is paying off and i'm so grateful for gov josh shapiro stepping in to help. 
now let's keep those talks going and make sure everyone gets a fair deal 
I mean, what's the world comin' to? They're makin' more money now than they were back in '95! 
and I gotta say, I'm all for it! It's like, we should be supporting our public servants and showing some love to the people who keep our city running smoothly, you know? 
The 3.5% wage increase ain't bad either 
. And can we talk about how cool it is that Governor Shapiro came in and helped get them back on track? 
He's a good dude for doing his part to keep the peace.
. I mean, who doesn't love having their daily commute be a breeze? 
The union got some solid stuff in this new contract, too – improved healthcare coverage and better tools for the workers. They deserve it! 
so fingers crossed the union votes yes & gets this contract passed 
, and now everyone can catch their breath 
. The union and SEPTA found common ground, and that's what matters 
.
. Now we're getting these fancy new contracts that include wage increases and better benefits for SEPTA workers. It's like they're living like royalty or something! 
. I mean, who needs strikes when you've got politicians on your side? 
But seriously, 3.5% wage increase is still nothing compared to what they used to get back in the '80s... or was it the '90s? 
Time flies, doesn't it? Anyway, I'm just glad that everyone involved can move forward with this new deal and forget about the chaos of a potential strike. Fingers crossed that the next contract negotiations go smoothly too! 