SEPTA and Transport Workers Union Local 234 have reached a tentative two-year contract agreement that will prevent a strike by avoiding the need for workers to go on strike. The new deal includes a modest wage increase of 3.5% in each year, coupled with better pension benefits for retiring employees and an improved health insurance plan for new hires.
The pact also includes increased allowances for tools and clothing, as well as enhanced tool allowance provisions. Additionally, the contract guarantees vision and dental coverage for new employees after just 90 days on the job, rather than the previous 15-month mark.
In a significant concession to the union, SEPTA has agreed to improve its management of worker absences in order to ensure reliable service levels when staffing is low. This move should help mitigate disruptions caused by staff shortages.
The agreement was reached after Governor Josh Shapiro intervened on Sunday night to prevent a strike from occurring. The union had threatened a walkout, and leaders had initially authorized striking if negotiations failed to yield a new contract.
According to TWU Local 234 President Will Vera, the deal is more than just a wage increase – it's a "retention contract" aimed at keeping current members happy while attracting new employees. SEPTA officials are cautiously optimistic that this agreement will set a positive tone for future negotiations with other unions.
SEPTA still faces another major challenge in reaching a new contract with SMART Local 1594, which represents over 300 bus, train, and trolley operators in surrounding counties. However, the governor's recent involvement may have helped pave the way for more constructive discussions.
For SEPTA, the stakes are high given its popularity as a vital public transportation network serving approximately 790,000 people daily. Governor Shapiro's latest intervention underscores his commitment to supporting the agency and ensuring that commuters can continue to rely on reliable service.
In recent weeks, Shapiro has taken other steps to bolster SEPTA's funding, including securing $220 million from PennDOT's Public Transit Trust Fund to restore Regional Rail service. While this new contract may not address long-term financial sustainability concerns, it marks an important step towards preventing disruptions and ensuring the stability of SEPTA services.
The pact also includes increased allowances for tools and clothing, as well as enhanced tool allowance provisions. Additionally, the contract guarantees vision and dental coverage for new employees after just 90 days on the job, rather than the previous 15-month mark.
In a significant concession to the union, SEPTA has agreed to improve its management of worker absences in order to ensure reliable service levels when staffing is low. This move should help mitigate disruptions caused by staff shortages.
The agreement was reached after Governor Josh Shapiro intervened on Sunday night to prevent a strike from occurring. The union had threatened a walkout, and leaders had initially authorized striking if negotiations failed to yield a new contract.
According to TWU Local 234 President Will Vera, the deal is more than just a wage increase – it's a "retention contract" aimed at keeping current members happy while attracting new employees. SEPTA officials are cautiously optimistic that this agreement will set a positive tone for future negotiations with other unions.
SEPTA still faces another major challenge in reaching a new contract with SMART Local 1594, which represents over 300 bus, train, and trolley operators in surrounding counties. However, the governor's recent involvement may have helped pave the way for more constructive discussions.
For SEPTA, the stakes are high given its popularity as a vital public transportation network serving approximately 790,000 people daily. Governor Shapiro's latest intervention underscores his commitment to supporting the agency and ensuring that commuters can continue to rely on reliable service.
In recent weeks, Shapiro has taken other steps to bolster SEPTA's funding, including securing $220 million from PennDOT's Public Transit Trust Fund to restore Regional Rail service. While this new contract may not address long-term financial sustainability concerns, it marks an important step towards preventing disruptions and ensuring the stability of SEPTA services.
that'll keep them from striking for 2 years! I think it's a win-win for both parties. The 3.5% wage increases might not seem like a lot, but it's something, and the better pension benefits and health insurance plan are nice perks for new hires 
. I also love how they're adding more allowances for tools and clothing – it shows SEPTA is willing to invest in their workers' quality of life 
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. It's crazy how a strike could've caused so many disruptions, but by working together, they can ensure reliable service levels even when staffing is low. The governor stepping in to prevent the strike was probably a game-changer 
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. SEPTA's got some big challenges ahead, especially with SMART Local 1594, but if they can keep the momentum going, it could be a good sign for commuters 
"The biggest risk is not taking any risk..." - Mark Zuckerberg 
SEPTA's temporary reprieve from a strike is a silver lining in an already volatile transportation landscape. It highlights how Governor Shapiro's intervention can be a game-changer in preventing service disruptions, especially during peak hours when commuters rely on public transport. The new contract may not tackle long-term financial sustainability issues, but it sets the tone for more constructive negotiations with other unions. 
, but let's hope Shapiro doesn't forget about long-term funding issues next! 
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. Still good for the workers, though - improved pension and health insurance plans will definitely make a difference in their retirement and overall well-being.
It's all about stability and reliability now 
its like, they just added a tiny bit more to the deal so workers can afford better gear... meanwhile septa still cant be bothered to give us decent benefits for when we retire 
like what about vision and dental coverage after 15 months not 90 days? that sounds like a pretty shallow concession to me 
anywayz, the deal includes a 3.5% wage increase in each year which i guess is kinda decent considering inflation and all 
3.5% wage increase is decent i guess but honestly who doesnt want more 
lets see how this plays out in the long run tho
! It's all about findin a balance between gettin a decent wage increase (3.5% is no joke 
. Now let's hope this sets a good precedent 4 future negotiations and we can get back to reliable service levels 
. The 3.5% wage increase might not be a ton but its still better than nothing 
Ugh, just read about SEPTA reaching a 2-year deal with the union... sounds like they got some decent concessions 
. Like, how are they gonna do that? Hopefully it doesn't lead to more problems when SMART Local 1594's contract comes up for renewal 
. It's always the same thing with these big contracts - a temporary fix that doesn't address the underlying issues 
. Can we talk about something else?
and governor shapiro stepping in was def a help. but we should be keeping an eye on the other union, smart local 1594. like, septa is already pretty popular so if they can't get it together with that one 
they should be grateful we dont have a walkout in philly... but seriously tho, 3.5% wage increase is nothing for inflation, and what about healthcare costs? wont these workers be paying more on their own dime next year? also, tool allowances and pension benefits are cool i guess, but whats the catch?
, Governor Shapiro's involvement was a game changer in keeping everyone happy & talking 
. but what really gets me is that septa is finally agreeing to improve its management of worker absences... i mean, who doesnt love reliable service on public transport?