Amidst conversations in early November about looming Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority worker strikes that would halt services and hinder travelers’ transportation plans, several Philadelphia transit unions have eased community fears by reaching another one-year agreement with SEPTA.
The three unions involved, SMART Local 1594, which covers Norristown High Speed Line and suburban bus workers, Philadelphia’s largest union AFSCME DC 33 and TWU Local 234 are now able to provide more financial security to a total of about 14,000 employees.
TWU Local 234 had initially confirmed their intention to strike by voting amongst their members. Their plan was to enter a strike once their previous SEPTA contract expired on Friday, Nov. 8. However, once meetings with SEPTA began, the strike date was repeatedly pushed back as conversation continued. The new deal was achieved on Wednesday, Nov. 20, reversing the union’s initial plans to strike.
On Friday, Dec. 6, TWU Local 234 plans on holding a ratification vote within their organization. If passed, the new contract will begin on Sunday, Dec. 8. They agreed the settlement would introduce a pension increase and five percent pay increase among employees. The agreement also covers new safety protocols, such as bulletproof enclosures for bus drivers to sit in, which would be tested in eight active buses before being mandated system-wide. The entire deal is projected to cost Philadelphia $80.2 million.
The end-of-year SEPTA strike discussions occurred while concerns approached regarding post-COVID-19 financial issues that would lead to large service cuts and a significant 29 percent fare increase for travelers on Jan. 1, 2025.
On Friday, Nov. 22, a press conference was held at the Frankford Transportation Center where Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro formally announced that SEPTA would be receiving $153 million, avoiding the fare hikes. Funds were able to be directed towards SEPTA after decisions were made to cut the funds of several Pennsylvania highway projects.
Shapiro reassured other Pennsylvanians affected by the highway project cuts that “we’re still going to get those projects done for you on time.”
Even though the potential January fare hikes were prevented by the deal made on Nov. 22, a 7.5 percent fare increase was still introduced on Sunday, Dec. 1.
Urging for more support, Shapiro called for additional funds to be directed towards SEPTA, challenging “each of the four suburban counties, and the great city of Philadelphia, to step up and add funding to this package to support our community.”