SEPTA Transit Police Negotiations Continue Amidst Strike Threat

by Tom Misch
in *CH, *JP, *TR, News, xCS, xLV
on 21 November 2023

SEPTA Transit Police and the transit agency remain locked in negotiations as a strike deadline looms. Despite the possibility of 170 officers walking off the job, talks have continued in an effort to reach a resolution. While SEPTA has expressed encouragement that officers have not yet gone on strike, the two parties remain divided on the length of the contract.

SEPTA is offering a 13% pay increase over three years, along with sign-on and retention bonuses. However, the union argues that the contract should extend to 43 months instead of three years. The union’s vice president emphasized their desire to fit the raises into a three-year timeframe, similar to the deal reached with SEPTA’s largest union, TWU Local 234.

The potential strike has left riders with mixed feelings. Some express concerns about the impact on public safety, with one rider stating, “There’s too much crime going on, so we need to not have a strike.” However, others express frustration, questioning the visibility of transit police during emergencies.

In the event of a strike, SEPTA assures customers that supervisory officers and other state and local agencies will step in to maintain service operations and fill the gap. This reassurance may alleviate some concerns regarding service disruptions.

As negotiations continue, both SEPTA Transit Police and the transit agency remain committed to finding a resolution that avoids a strike and ensures the safety and efficiency of Philadelphia’s public transportation system.

FAQ:

Q: What is the current status of the negotiations between SEPTA Transit Police and the transit agency?
A: The two parties are still in negotiations as a strike deadline approaches.

Q: What is SEPTA offering in the contract?
A: SEPTA is offering a 13% pay increase over three years, along with sign-on and retention bonuses.

Q: What is the union’s demand regarding the contract length?
A: The union wants the contract to extend to 43 months instead of three years.

Q: How do riders feel about the potential strike?
A: Opinions are mixed among riders, with some expressing concerns about public safety and others frustrated with the visibility of transit police during emergencies.

Q: What will happen if a strike occurs?
A: In the event of a strike, supervisory officers and other state and local agencies will step in to maintain service operations.

Key Terms:

SEPTA: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, the regional transit agency of Philadelphia.

TWU: Transport Workers Union.

Retention bonuses: Financial incentives offered to employees to encourage them to stay with a company or organization.

Service disruptions: Interruptions or delays in the normal operation of public transportation services.