SEPTA Avoids Strike With Union In Pandemic-Fueled Negotiations

PHILADELPHIA, PA — SEPTA and its largest workers union have reached a tentative labor agreement which will prevent a threatened strike that had loomed over both sides and transit users since talks began in July. The new two-year deal provides a small raise, hazard bonus pay, and more to workers as they continue to navigate the pandemic.

The previous deal with Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 234, which represents some 5,000 workers, was set to expire at midnight on Sunday, Oct. 31. The union had authorized a strike if an agreement was not reached by then.

“I am very pleased that we were able to come to terms without a strike,” TWU Local 234 President Willie Brown said in a statement. “Our members are essential workers who move Philadelphia and who have risked their lives putting their own families at risk during this pandemic.”

Thanks to the agreement, all SEPTA rails, subways, and buses will continue to operate on schedule come Monday.

Notably, the new contract, which still must receive final approval at an upcoming meetings, provides workers a pandemic hazard bonus of a dollar for every hour worked between March 15 2020, and March 15, 2021, up to a maximum of $2,200.

“SEPTA’s frontline employees were critical to keeping our region moving during the worst of the pandemic, and this agreement reflects their dedication and sacrifice,” SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards said in a statement.

The contract also offers two weeks of parental leave for both men and women at the birth or adoption of a child. It also adds Juneteenth as a paid holiday. But the union says more changes are still needed. Specifically, they noted "significant improvements" needed for rider and worker safety throughout the transit system.

“SEPTA is facing unprecedented challenges," Brown added. "...Without question, the solidarity of our members was the key factor. The talks became far more productive after last Sunday’s unanimous strike vote.”

The SEPTA board and TWU will vote to formally ratify the deal on Friday, Nov. 5.