A Philadelphia transit strike is no longer a threat after tentative agreement was reached by SEPTA and its largest union Friday morning.
As reported by Thomas Fitzgerald from The Philadelphia Inquirer, members of Transport Workers Local 234 will get 3% annual raises in each of the two years of the contract, as well as a one-time pandemic hazard bonus of one dollar for each hour worked between March 15, 2020, and March 15 this year, to a maximum of $2,200.
Additionally, parents would have two weeks of parental leave at the birth or adoption of a child, and pregnant people would receive benefits following childbirth. Previously, pregnant people had to exhaust all sick leave before qualifying for unpaid pregnancy leave, according to the union. Workers will also get Juneteenth as a paid holiday.
The agreement alleviates concerns about a transportation shutdown that would affect 60,000 students and about 20,000 teachers and staff rely on transit.
TWU Local 234 President Willie Brown expressed his satisfaction with the solution. “I am very pleased that we were able to come to terms without a strike. Our members are essential workers who move Philadelphia and who have risked their lives putting their own families at risk during this pandemic.”
The contract is “fair to our employees and fiscally responsible for SEPTA,” said board chairman Pasquale T. Deon Sr. said in a statement.
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Now, the contract needs ratification from the union membership and formal approval by SEPTA’s board. A TWU ratification vote is scheduled Nov. 5. The regional transit agency board will vote Nov. 18, Deon said.
Safety reforms pending
However, there was no mention of the safety enhancements that the union previously called for. Union members has sought better security on the SEPTA system, given high-profile crimes and abuse and assaults against members, some from passengers frustrated at federal mask requirements on transit.
Brown stressed the complications faced in order to reach an agreement “This was a difficult time to negotiate a contract.” He also noted the importance of the solidarity of the union members. “Without question, the solidarity of our members was the key factor. The talks became far more productive after last Sunday’s unanimous strike vote.”
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