A potential strike by SEPTA workers was averted early Friday as negotiations between the agency and the union representing its employees continued.
Both SEPTA and Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 234 announced late Thursday that they had postponed the looming strike.
The agreement to hold off on a strike will allow SEPTA services to operate normally while talks continue.
The existing one-year contract was set to expire at midnight Thursday.
Amid the negotiations, the International Transport Workers’ Federation has criticized SEPTA for not addressing worker safety issues. The union accuses SEPTA of failing to negotiate a contract that effectively protects workers from violent assaults and supports the wellbeing of their families.
John Samuelsen, President of the Transport Workers Union International, said in a statement that he strongly supported the members of Local 234.
“The urgent safety and economic concerns of Transit Workers in Philadelphia can’t be ignored any longer. We will provide whatever resources are needed to achieve victory,” he said.
“SEPTA is committed to engaging in good-faith negotiations at the bargaining table, with the goal of reaching an agreement that is fair to our hard-working employees and to the customers and taxpayers who fund SEPTA,” according to transit agency spokesperson Andrew Busch.
Local 234 includes about 5,000 bus, subway, and trolley operators, mechanics, cashiers, maintenance workers, and custodians.
The union had unanimously authorized a strike last week if negotiations failed.
In Bucks County, SEPTA operates regional rail trains, buses, and paratransit services.
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