Three unions representing SEPTA and Philadelphia city workers could all strike at the same time.
The unions are:
- Smart Local 1594, which represents SEPTA bus, trolley and train operators in the suburbs
- TWU Local 234, the largest union representing SEPTA employees
- District Council 33, a municipal union representing city employees, including sanitation workers
Smart Local 1594 could go on strike if there is no agreement by 11:59 PM on Monday. A strike would almost have consequences 64,000 suburban riders. The strike would disrupt service on suburban bus lines in Delaware, Montgomery and Chester counties, as well as the Route 101 and 102 trolleys and the Norristown High Speed line. Regional railways would operate normally.
Meanwhile, are currently members of TWU Local 234 work without a contract. The two transport unions, together with District Council 33, are discussing the possible coordination of the strikes to maximize the impact.
SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch said the next session between SEPTA and TWU Local 34 is Wednesday, meaning there is no immediate threat of a strike by these workers on Tuesday or Wednesday morning.
SEPTA has met with both unions, Busch said, adding that the sessions are separate, “but they are happening more or less in parallel.”
District Council 33 could go on strike at any time. The union represents about 9,000 city employees, including sanitation workers.
Last week the union announced its members voted to authorize a strikeallowing union leaders to call a strike at any time. The union says the city is seeking a one-year contract extension, while workers want a long-term deal that includes raises.
SEPTA is facing one A deficit of $240 million in its operational deficit and plans to do so raising prices and lowering service to help. Scott Sauer, the agency’s Chief Operating Officer, recently warned that SEPTA is at the beginning of a “transit death spiral“where higher prices and reduced service lead to fewer riders and vice versa.
Laura Fay