Philadelphia transit union gets strike OK

PHILADELPHIA — Workers for the Philadelphia-area transit system have voted to authorize a strike next month if an agreement isn’t reached on a new contract.

Transport Workers Union Local 234 said a voice vote at a meeting Sunday approved a motion to allow union leaders to call a strike if an agreement with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is not reached in a week.

The union represents about 5,000 bus drivers, cashiers, mechanics and other workers providing service for buses, trolleys, the subway and elevated train lines. The current contract expires early Nov. 1, a day before the general election.

“Our members are essential workers who have risked their lives and put their own families at risk during this pandemic,” union President Willie Brown told The Philadelphia Inquirer. He said the union was asking the transit agency to address “issues related to health and safety and modest economic improvements.”

The agency said talks have been productive and it hopes to avoid disruptions with agreement on a “fair and financially responsible” pact. It said it is still short about $1 million in daily revenue because of ridership declines with people working at home during the pandemic.