Philly transit strike a tough sell in down economy

The Associated Press -

Nov-04-2009

Philly transit strike a tough sell in down economy

(topic overview)
CONTENTS:

The union represents more than 5,000 drivers and mechanics of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). (More...)
SEPTA's Regional Rail service is still running, but many commuters use city transportation to gain access to Regional Rail, making it virtually inaccesible without bus, subway, or trolley operation. (More...)
Wow, SEPTA union leaders are nuts for not accepting that deal. (More...)
Did they notice that we have rough times in this country and in this city? They city wants to close libraries and swimming pools for kids - and they want 4% increase in pay? There is no love lost in Philadelphia for Septa drivers - surly and overpaid as it is. (More...)
Gov. Ed Rendell over the weekend ordered the union and SEPTA to remain at the bargaining table or risk "significant consequences." (More...)
Regional rail service is still running. (More...)
When the union demands undeserved raises it affects not just the SEPTA riders, but all taxpayers as well. (More...)
Just another Philadelphia city union making an example of how unions themselves can be bad things. (More...)
How many millions of dollars do you think the average CEO makes? Who do you think is more exhausted at the end of a work day, some corporate fat cat or a guy who's been driving a bus for 10 hours? I would have the patience or fortitude to deal with jerks and traffic all day long to drive a trolley. (More...)
Commuters will be stuck without buses and trains through the city again today as talks remain stalled.'' (More...)

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The union represents more than 5,000 drivers and mechanics of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). All bus, subway and trolley service in the city and the Frontier Division buses in Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester Counties have been stilled by the strike, which went into effect at 3 a.m. Regional Rail service won't be interrupted because those crews are covered by separate contracts. Commuters to Philadelphia should expect significantly more traffic volume this morning. The strike was called after both sides agreed they could go no further with the negotiations, according Local 234's president, Willie Brown. [1] Bus, subway and trolley service in Philadelphia halted a day after the World Series shifted to New York as transit workers went on strike over wages, pensions and health benefits, Reuters said. "We don't deserve to wake up at 3 o'clock in the morning to find out if there's a strike," Jeffrey Chandler, who had to call a friend for a ride to SEPTA's regional rail line so he could get to his job as a hotel room attendant, told the AP.[2] The Philadelphia transit system's largest union went on strike early Tuesday over wage, pension and health care issues, stalling the city's bus, subway and trolley operations and forcing thousands of commuters to find other ways to get to work — and to Election Day polls. "I think they have a lot of nerve to ask for more money in this economy," said Robert Washington, of west Philadelphia, who relied on his bicycle to get to his office job downtown. "There are people who don't have jobs who would love to have one of their jobs. It's arrogant."[3] The union has decided to strike over wages and pensions. It is really greedy and irresponsible. There are thousands of people in this city that use buses, trolleys and the subway to get to work-- many people who can't afford other alternative transportation or don't have the option of other transportation. This strike does nothing but hurt the people who are hurting the most already. The average SEPTA worker makes over $50,000 each year, so it is difficult for me to feel sorry for these union workers who might not be getting their annual raise this year. Face it-- workers everywhere aren't getting their annual raise. With job layoffs and pay cuts escalating and health care costs sky rocketing, it makes me sick to think that an organization can make these types of demands and get away with it. Now thousands of people, including myself and a lot of my friends, will need to figure out different ways to get around the city (biking it is) until this whole thing is resolved.[4] Philadelphia schools were closed for the day due to an in-service day, but students who use SEPTA will have to find alternate means of getting to class Wednesday. In a statement posted to their Web site, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Arlene Ackerman said all classes and after school programs will run as scheduled during the transit strike. Transport workers have been without a contract since March as both sides are still split on wages, benefits and pensions. Union workers were seeking an annual wage increase of 4 percent and no increase to their health care coverage. SEPTA officials said they offered the union up to 11.5 percent wage increased over five years and a $1,250 signing bonus.[5] "All the movement was on the management side," said Rendell. In a telephone press conference from New York, Rendell said the contract rejected by the TWU leadership was much better than the terms being received by workers in the private sector or those at the transit agency in Pittsburgh. "Most people are losing their pensions, most people are paying significantly higher level of contributions for health care," Rendell said. Union leaders "have to deal with the reality of the situation and look at the economy," Rendell said, urging union members to contact their leaders and urge a settlement. Rendell, who on Saturday had threatened sanctions against either side who walked out on talks, did not specify what action, if any, he might take against the union. "I might decide not to put in state money" to help SEPTA pay for union wage increases, he said, referring to the $6 million from the PennDOT economic development fund.[6] Rendell said the union chose to walk away from an "excellent" contract offer that includes 11 percent in wage increases over five years, and 11 percent increase in pension contributions, and no increases in workers' contribution for health care.[7] TWU Local 234 President Willie Brown said the major reasons for the strike were increased pension contributions from workers, job "picking" rights, and the length of the contract. He said the union wanted 3 percent wage increases for each year of a four-year contract.[8] Rendell said the five-year contract spurned by leaders of Transport Workers Union Local 234 called for a $1,250 signing bonus upon ratification, a 2.5 percent raise the second year, and a three percent raise in each of the next three years. It also called for an increase in pension payments to workers and no increase in their health-insurance contributions. Rendell said he had agreed to give SEPTA $6 million from an economic development fund in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to help pay for the contract sweeteners.[6]

Did you wake up this morning in Philadelphia and realise that your local transit systems were nowhere to be seen? That'''s because the transport Workers Union Local 234 who represents the South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has gone on strike, causing havoc in the city. The union which represents over 5,000 members decided they would go on strike from 3am Tuesday, just after the World Series shifted to New York, and has declared the strike could go on throughout the duration of the World Series after talks broke down.[9] Negotiators will return to talks at Gov. Rendell's Philadelphia office at 10 a.m., SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney said yesterday. Rendell said on Saturday that he had told the two sides to remain at the bargaining table until an agreement was reached. Promising a prompt resolution, Rendell persuaded Transport Workers Union Local 234 to call off its threat of a transit strike, allowing the World Series games in Philadelphia to proceed without the possibility of a walkout.[10]

All SEPTA surface and rail transit in the City of Philadelphia except for Regional Rail, plus SEPTA bus routes in those parts of Bucks, Montgomery and Chester counties served by the Frontier District (see this guide for more details), are shut down as of 3 a.m. today, when operating and maintenance personnel represented by Transport Workers Union Local 234 went on strike after ongoing talks broke down late last night.[11]

SEPTA's largest union went on strike early this morning - crippling a transit system that averages more than 928,000 trips every weekday in the city. The strike came after hours of negotiation yesterday that ended when, according to Willie Brown, president of Transport Workers Union Local 234, both sides agreed that they had gone as far as they could go. The strike, Brown said early this morning, would begin at 3 a.m., threatening to cripple this morning's rush hour.[12]

SEPTA's largest union, SEPTA Transport Workers Union Local 243, had promised not to strike during the World Series, but with the quick exit of the Phillies, it was strike on. Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter responded to the news of SEPTA on strike by blasting the union for what he called a "surprise" strike. As he noted, '''People had already gone to bed. Some people were already at their job.[13] I love how the waited until the morning after the world series game to avoid the extra public outcry. These strikes are like war the only losers are the innocent that are affected. Is Septa terrible because they aren't paid enough? Are all the workers unhelpful and mediocre at best at their jobs because they are unsatisfied with their contracts? No, they are part of a union and they are being greedy and selfish. They would have more sympathy if any part of SEPTA was good, but in reality it is an organization that does the least amount of improvements and work possible to make sure they reach the bare minimum requirements of a transportation authority.[14]

Let's not forget the children/teens/college students who rely on SEPTA for transportation to/from school. Septa employees make a good wage, much better than most jobs & yet the subways.trains & buses & their "new" terminals are filthy! Continued poor customer service. how dare they threaten to strike during the World Series? It would have shown their true colors! What a true picture of just what this company & their employees are to strike in the wee hours of the morning! post the World Series move to NYC. NYC & Nj transit are 100% better than Philadelphia transit system.[12]

The union has been working without a contract since March and the city did little to nothing to resolve the issue until the World Series arrived. The union on the other hand has their heads up their you know what if they expect to get substantial wage increases in a time like this when unemployment is closing in on 10% nationwide. This marks the third Septa strike in 11 years and it could be the longest one since the one in '98 that was 40 days. Of course the 1 million citizens who depend on mass transit are the victims in this ordeal.[15] The Union workers, who earn $52,000 per year are seeking an annual 4% pay rise and with SEPTA offering an 11.5% wage increase in 5 years, with no annual pay rise in year one have not taken a liking to the offer as the strike continues. This is not the first time strikes have happend, when in 2005, a strike lasted seven days, and in 1998, a transit strike lasted 40 days.[9]

The pension contributions would increase from 5% to 11% and there would no increase in health care contributions for employees. Despite this improved offer, a city budget gap wider then the Grand Canyon, and a national unemployment approaching 10%, the TWU decided that a strike was their best course of action. Most employees in this economy are glad to take a wage freeze if it means they are will not be downsized. Many people will take a job for less money if it means they can bring home a paycheck in this economic climate. Many of the above mentioned people were scrambling this morning to find a way to get to work because TWU workers, who have job security and a hefty paycheck, decided they wanted more. Under their current pay scale, TWU workers can earn well over $50,000 per year which is by no means wealthy but for an unskilled occupation is a nice living.[16] A public school teacher in the city which does require a college degree makes around $35,000 per year. TWU workers also get 99% of their health care paid by SEPTA and a pension plan. These wages and pension plans are the greatest contributors to Philadelphia's budget shortfalls and the 1% percent increase in the sales tax that recently went into effect will not solve the problem. The city and the state need to set an example with the TWU and not give in to their terms. If Philadelphia is to return to fiscal stability, the city must take control of their spending.[16]

Around 7 p.m. Tuesday, passengers at Suburban Station, the city's downtown commuter rail station, were still queued up in long, snaking lines that spilled beyond the concourse into the access hallways. Union workers, who earn an average of $52,000 a year, are seeking an annual 4 percent wage hike and want to keep the current 1 percent contribution they make toward the cost of their health care coverage. They have been without a contract since March.[3] Thousands of commuters scrambled to find other ways to work as buses, subways and trolley operations ground to a halt. Gov. Ed Rendell says he is stunned that the union walked out on a proposed contract that included an 11.5 percent wage increase over five years. He says that's a great deal in a down economy. Labor expert Robert Trumble says workers are more determined to hang on to what they have in tough times. He says they also look more critically at income distribution.[17]

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia transit system's largest union said that contract negotiations had broken down and its workers are on strike, bringing the city's bus, subway and trolley operations to a halt before Tuesday morning's rush hour.[18] PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia transit system's largest union went on strike early Tuesday, stalling the city's bus, subway and trolley operations a day after the World Series shifted to New York and forcing thousands of commuters to find other ways to get to work.[17]

Many people in Philadelphia woke up Tuesday morning to learn that SEPTA's largest union had gone on strike at 3am and placing a halt to all bus, subway, and trolley service in the city.[16] Nov. 3--Hundreds of thousands of commuters scrambled this morning to find a way to work or school after SEPTA's largest union staged a surprise predawn strike, shutting down all subway, bus and trolley service in the city.[7]

SEPTA has gone on Strike! SEPTA's strike closes all subway, bus and trolley service. The SEPTA Transport Workers Union Local 243 Strike started moments ago at 3 am EST. It is affecting counties of Bucks, Montgomery and Chester.[19] Transport Workers Union Local 234 represents more than 5,000 bus drivers, subway and trolley operators and mechanics. They had threatened to go on strike during the World Series.[20]

Talks between the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and Transport Workers Union Local 234 broke down at midnight when union representatives walked out, calling the strike to start at 3 a.m., said Jerri Williams, a spokeswoman for the transit agency.[21] The sudden strike by Transport Workers Union Local 234 all but crippled the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, which averages more than 928,000 trips each weekday.[3]

Transport Workers Union Local 234 President Willie Brown said negotiations broke down early yesterday morning after SEPTA negotiators refused to give the union more information at Nutter’s request. “If they call and wanna go back, I’ll go back. “He was there moreso to make sure the contract wasn’t too lucrative on his behalf. ” ' Nutter criticized union leadership and strongly denied the allegations, saying “the city contract negotiations are our negotiations and the SEPTA contract negotiations are their negotiations. ” “I think SEPTA is looking at the same reality that the city is looking at, which is we’re in the midst of the worst recession since the Great Depression," he said.[22] SEPTA's largest transport workers union is on strike after failing to reach a new contract during negotiations with the transit agency.[5] The Transport Workers Union 243 (TWU), which represents 5,500 workers, agreed to strike after failing to come to terms with SEPTA management and Governor Rendell on a new contract.[16]

Moment ago at 3 am EST, SEPTA Transport Workers Union Local 243 Strike went on strike with no notice to passengers, reportedly no notice to even workers. 928,000 residents use SEPTA each weekday.[23]

Philadelphia buses, subways, and trolleys are at a standstill today. Transport Workers Local Union 243, SEPTA's largest union, staged a walkout at 3 a.m. this morning, leaving hundreds of thousands of commuters caught off guard and desperately seeking alternative methods of transportation.[24] Early morning commuters on Tuesday were bewildered and frustrated by locked subway stations and vacant bus stops. "Everybody hates SEPTA, and this is why," said Ranisha Allen, who said she had no option but to count on the kindness of car-owning neighbors to get her to work from her north Philadelphia home. "These people go on strike and they don't think about people they hurt, people who can't get to work, kids who can't get to school." Willie Brown, the local's president, said workers decided to strike at 3 a.m. Tuesday after both sides agreed that they had gone as far as they could in negotiations.[3] All around the city, some mass transit commuters awoke this morning and went to their usual bus stops or subway stations like any other day. Unknown to them - even in this age of instant information - SEPTA workers had gone on strike during the night without warning. They greeted the news with a mix of surprise, anger, resignation and grit, trying to figure other ways to get around and calling on past experience from earlier strikes.[25] SEPTA workers officially went on strike at 3:00 am Tuesday morning after the World Series, halting all bus, subway and trolley service in the city and the suburbs.[4] All bus, subway and trolley service in the city, as well as the Frontier Division buses in Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester Counties, will be stilled by a strike. Regional Rail service won't be interrupted because those crews are covered by separate contracts. "It's going to be terribly disruptive," SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney said early Tuesday.[18] The following important service information contains useful travel tips to assist riders as Bus, Subway, and Trolley service is discontinued. The following services will not run: Broad Street Line and Broad-Ridge Spur Market-Frankford Line All City Transit bus, trolley and trackless trolley routes Frontier Division bus routes The following services will run: Regional Rail Train service will be the best choice for travel in and around Philadelphia Suburban Transit Bus Routes 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109-114, 115, 117-120, 123 & 125; the Route 101 & 102 Trolley; the Norristown High Speed Line; and contract routes 204, 205, 306, 310 and 314 Route service will change for those buses that normally travel into the City.[26]

SEPTA's city Division workers hit the bricks at 3 a.m. after their talks with the transit giant. That means no buses, subways or trolleys will operate inside the city limits. It also means the one thing still running - the regional rail lines - will be jammed.[27]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) ' The city of Philadelphia made it through three World Series games, but now contract talks have broken down and mass transit workers are on strike. The walkout is expected to cripple this morning's commute on a system that averages more than 928,000 trips each weekday. PHILADELPHIA (AP) ' If the New York Yankees win their 27th World Series title, it'll be in front of the home fans.[28] SEPTA has published its Service Interruption Guide this morning, in light of continued contract talks between the union and the city and the pending strike.[29] Despite all signs--and threats by Governor Rendell to really put the screws to both SEPTA and TWU Local 234--pointing to a SEPTA contract resolution without a work stoppage, the drivers' and mechanics' union has called a strike. Have fun getting to work/school this morning, y'all.[30] Septa went on strike at 3:00 AM on Tuesday November 3rd. Both the city and the union should be ashamed that things have come to this because it leaves 1 million plus riders in a bind, who now more than ever desperately need Septa to get to and from work. The union claims the city gave them the cold shoulder once the Phillies games were played. Rendell and Nutter claim they're offering the union a robust contract.[15]

The union contracts in Philadelphia are unrealistic in today's economy and beyond and will continue to drive up taxes for everyone else until city hall and Harrisburg decide enough is enough. This current SEPTA strike is their first opportunity to carve out a new path.[16] Generally speaking, management can afford to be tougher in an economic downturn in part because more labor is available, said Robert Trumble, director of the Virginia Labor Studies Center at Virginia Commonwealth University. He said, workers are more determined to hang on to what they have and tend to look more critically at things like income distribution. Philadelphia did avoid a black eye over the weekend after the union, which represents more than 5,000 SEPTA drivers, operators and mechanics, held off on its threat to strike while the city hosted three World Series games.[3] PHILADELPHIA. A day after calling for a 3 a.m. strike, the president of SEPTA’s largest union says his biggest problem is not pensions, wages or even picking rights, but what he perceives as Mayor Michael Nutter trying to set a precedent for negotiations with city workers.[22] PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Bus, subway and trolley service in Philadelphia halted on Tuesday as transit workers went on strike over wages, pensions and health benefits.[21] Union representatives rejected SEPTA's offer of 11 percent increases in wages and company pension contributions over five years; no increase in employee health benefit contributions from the current level of 1 percent of pretax earnings, and a $1,250 signing bonus for workers, Jerri Williams, a spokeswoman for the transit agency, told Reuters.[2] According to TWU officials, SEPTA management has proposed no wage increase for the first two years of a four-year contract and a 2 percent increase in each of the final two years. It also wanted to increase worker contributions to health coverage from 1 percent to 4 percent and freeze the level of pension benefits.[7] Rendell said the five-year contract spurned by TWU leaders called for a $1,250 signing bonus upon ratification, a 2.5 percent raise the second year, and a 3 percent raise in each of the next three years. It also called for an increase in pension payments to workers and no increase in their health-insurance contributions. Rendell said he had agreed to give SEPTA $6 million from an economic development fund in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to help pay for the contract sweeteners.[8] According to a source close to the negotiations, the union was willing to accept SEPTA's economic package of raises totaling 11 percent over five years with zero increase and a $1,250 signing bonus in the first year, a 120 percent (six percntage points, from 5 to 11 percent) in contributions to the employee pension fund, and no increase in employee contributions to the healthcare plan. The main sticking point, the source said, was proposed changes in longstanding work rules that allow maintenance employees to pick the equipment they will work on based on seniority. SEPTA has attempted to obtain these work rule changes in previous contract negotiations with no success.[11]

The union wants a 4 percent raise each year and health contributions to remain 1 percent. It is also seeking an increase in pension contributions from $75 to $100 for every year of service. When a strike was threatened last week - with the World Series moving to South Philly - Nutter had called a walkout "pretty unimaginable," and Brady increased his efforts to broker an agreement.[12]

Nutter and Rendell, who had prevailed on the TWU not to strike during the World Series games in Philadelphia, criticized union leaders for turning down what the governor called a "sensational" contract in tough economic times.[8] Governor Rendell says he's disappointed by the transit workers' strike in Philadelphia ( see related stories ) -- both because he believed the two sides were close, and because it was called without notice. He says the next move is up to the union. KYW's Tony Romeo reports that the governor (in file photo above) says the union walked away from what he calls a "sensational" contract offer, especially considering the economic climate.[31]

However as Moran and Dribben report the strike by SEPTA was launched at 3:00 a.m. and caught literally thousands of people off guard and stranded. Another phrase used by Moran and Dribben in the text of the article is that Union 243 staged a "surprise pre-dawn strike." That almost sounds like "war talk" does it not? If not confrontational or "sneaky" it certainly is uncaring of the needs of others. Those involved that Union 243 is "attacking are the elderly, school children, those seeing a doctor and workers. Perhaps another way to say it is that they are aiming at those citizens least able to do something about the situation and can even have their lives in danger. One person says in the article that they should just be happy to have a job and I agree.[32] The union represents more than 5,000 drivers, operators and mechanics of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. "We don't deserve to wake up at 3 o'clock in the morning to find out if there's a strike," said Jeffrey Chandler, 49, who had to call a friend for a ride to SEPTA's regional rail line so he could get to his job as a hotel room attendant.[17] In response to the strike, the Philadelphia Parking Authority lifted regulations barring shared rides in taxis and gave the go ahead for limousines, partial rights cabs and county cabs to provide service in the city. As the first glimmer of dawn broke this morning, striking SEPTA workers huddled in small clusters around the Frankford Transportation Center as would-be passengers continued to arrive with no idea that nothing was operating. Colleen Logan, 45, showed up at 5:20 a.m. to discover that she would not be able to ride the Market-Frankford El to her job as a waitress at Snow White Restaurant in Old City.[7] Continuing to run during a strike would be Victory Division buses in Delaware County, most operating out of the 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby; Route 101 and 102 trolley lines and the Norristown High Speed Line; "LUCY" buses in West Philadelphia between 30th Street Station and University City destinations; and Paratransit service. Among the thousands of people in the region who rely on SEPTA to get around are Philadelphia School District students who attend school outside their neighborhoods.[12] As of 3 AM, with SEPTA on strike, most SEPTA services in Philadelphia ceased as bus, trolley and subway operators hit the picket lines.[13] Most SEPTA services in Philadelphia were brought to a halt due to the strike, as the union represents more than 5,000 bus drivers, subway and trolley operators and mechanics.[5] More than 5,000 of SEPTA's bus, subway and trolley operators and mechanics did not report to work today, after union leadership called a strike at 3 a.m.[6]

"I might decide, if the strike goes on for a length of time, I'm not going to put in state money." Rendell says he's willing to get back into talks. Septa says it's ready to talk. The union, though, except for a brief statement about pensions and work rules on its way out, has not made any statment about talks.[31] Frank Brinkman, a union member who does electronic work on an elevated SEPTA train, was out on the picket line early Tuesday. He said he was concerned about pension issues and changes to work rules. He said that the union didn't want to strike, but that SEPTA gave it no choice. "We don't want to see anybody suffer," he said.[3]

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter blasted SEPTA'''s transit union for a calling a strike with little notice to commuters on Tuesday.[33] PHILADELPHIA - An attempt to keep Philadelphia polling places open late because of SEPTA's transit union strike has been denied.[34]

The deadline was extended to 6 p.m. today, but that's still cutting it close. Philadelphia's SEPTA bus service is now inactive, after the union voted to go on strike early this morning- to the shock of its many riders.[32]

Rendell urged SEPTA's 5,100 unionized bus drivers, subway and trolley operators, and mechanics not to strike during the World Series, saying it would give Philadelphia "a little bit of a black eye" on the national stage.[12] PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Unionized bus, subway and trolley drivers in Philadelphia went on strike this morning, waiting until after last night's World Series game ended as Gov. Ed Rendell demanded.[1]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) ''' No new contract talks are scheduled as Philadelphia commuters struggle to get to work amid a transit strike that has brought buses, subways and trolleys to a halt.[35] PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Democratic City Committee has filed a motion to extend hours at city polling places because of a transit strike. Mayor Michael Nutter says he supports the motion because the strike by Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority workers is making it harder for voters to get to and from work.[36] Philadelphia, Nov 3 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority ( SEPTA ) has finally gone on strike, after the negotiations with the transit agency for a fresh agreement failed to materialize.[37] The union represents more than 5,000 drivers, operators and mechanics of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. Willie Brown, the local's president, said they decided to strike after both sides agreed that they had gone as far as they could go in negotiations.[18]

Transport Workers Union leaders walked out of contract talks just before midnight, saying they couldn't accept an offer from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority because of a shortfall in their pension fund and disagreements on some work rule issues.[38] A. Transport Workers Union Local 234 representing 5,000 train operators, bus drivers and mechanics. A. Differences over wages and benefits, including employee contributions for their pensions and health care.[14] SEPTA and Transit Workers Union Local 234 on Saturday reached a tentative agreement on health care and have since been reportedly close on wages.[39]

Negotiations could resume tomorrow between SEPTA and striking Transport Workers Union Local 234, which represents about 5,100 SEPTA vehicle operators and mechanics.[8] The strike by Transport Workers Union Local 234 will cripple the transit system, which averages more than 928,000 trips each weekday.[1] PHILADELPHIA -- Transport Workers Union, Local 234 has announced a work stoppage as of 3:00 a.m. this morning.[26]

The walkout by Transport Workers Union Local 243, which began at 3 a.m. and caught commuters off guard, also affected Frontier Division buses in Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester counties.[7]

KYW's Mike Dunn reports from City Hall that Mayor Nutter is also furious that Septa workers have walked, for two reasons: he says that management had tendered a fair offer, and that the union's short notice of the strike was hugely disruptive to the city.[31] The transit union called for a strike right after the Phillies won in Game 5 of the World Series and workers walked out at 3 a.m. '''There was no good reason for this,''' Nutter said. '''It is outrageous.'''[33] Concern about crowds converging in downtown Philadelphia for the World Series surfaced in talks over the weekend and workers agreed to stave off the strike. The transit authority urged riders to check its Web site for contingency plans.[38] Soon after the Phillies beat the Yankees last night and forced a Game 6 in the World Series, postgame newscasts in the Philadelphia region were met with breaking news: SEPTA workers were going on strike.[40]

Now that SEPTA workers are on strike ( see related stories ), thousands of Philadelphia students who normally rely on mass transit to get to school suddenly don't have that option.[41] The effects of the strike were mitigated somewhat because Philadelphia schools are closed for Election Day; on an average weekday, about 54,000 public and parochial school students take SEPTA to school.[17] In 2005, when SEPTA went on strike on Halloween, magnet schools, which draw students from around the city, were especially hard hit. At that time, the magnet schools reported a 25 percent dip in attendance on average on the first day of the strike.[42]

You don't see people working at mcdonalds only making 20k a year going on strike. This is a ridiculous situation, now just because these low lifes want more money for a job they suck at, it affects the actually working class of Philadelphia. How about the people in philly who actually go to school, work hard every day and probably make less than 52k a year and rely on public transportation? I need public transportation but I will sacrifice not using it if that means these pieces of crap don't get a pay increase.[9] "No one should be expecting near term raises pretty much anywhere because most folks are just happy to still a job." Brown countered by saying that SEPTA was in a better financial position than the city because of an increase in ridership earlier this year and could afford to give more. (SEPTA said last month that its ridership is down so far this year, and its state funding also faces an uncertain future). Brown also blasted Nutter for his comments to the media once the strike was announced. "Michael Nutter is an immature liar," he said.[22] When Good Day Philadelphia brought up the union's desire for increased pension benefits, Nutter was blunt. '''Their salaries were proposed to go up. Their pension was to be increased. They have a pension fund that is 50 percent funded, similar to ours. No reasonable, rationale person right now is thinking about a raise, is thinking about an increase in their pension when other members of the general public and other Americans are losing their jobs.[33] Mayor, Michael Nutter, and the Governor Ed Rendell'''s efforts to give an affirmative twist to the negotiations didn'''t work out even after 13 hours of discussions. Union workers want a 4 percent income raise and no further addition to their respective health care treatment.'''[37] Here's what the AP is reporting: "Union workers, who earn an average $52,000 a year, are seeking an annual 4 percent wage hike and want to keep the current 1 percent contribution they make toward the cost of their health care coverage.[25] SEPTA was offering an 11.5 percent wage increase over 5 years, with a $1,250 signing bonus in the first year, and increases in workers' pensions, Maloney said.[17] SEPTA was offering an 11.5 percent wage increase over five years, with a $1,250 signing bonus in the first year, and increases in workers' pensions, SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney said. "We haven't heard back from them."[3]

Sometimes it happens. Had their contract come up in 2007 before this horrid recession started then they would've gotten robust wage increases and wouldn't see their health benefits erode like the rest of America. Wake up and smell the coffee Septa-most working people are making less money this year, working less hours (if they're lucky to have a job), and receiving worse medical benefits every year. It's a fact of life until we have a Public Option. That's another story for another time. With that said, they need to accept that this contract will be less than desirable, but at least they have jobs and won't join the ranks of the growing class of unemployed workers.[15] SEPTA has proposed no wage increases for the first 2 years on the contract and 2% for each year after, no pension contribution increases, and an increase in health care contributions for employees from 1% to 4%.[16] The TWU wants a 4% wage increase each year for the duration of the contract, an increase in pension contributions from $75 to $100 per year of service, and for health care contributions for employees to remain at 1%.[16]

Late yesterday Governor Rendell claimed the latest offer from SEPTA was a 5 year contract with no wage increase in year 1, 2.5% increase in year 2, and a 3% increase in the remaining years.[16] Gov. Ed Rendell, who helped mediate negotiations for the past four days, was stunned when the union walked out on a proposed deal that included an 11.5 percent wage increase over five years.[3] KYW's Pat Loeb reports that talks broke down at the end of a 14-hour bargaining session that involved the mayor, the governor, and U.S. congressman Bob Brady (D-Pa.). "The mayor and I both missed the Phillies game! We both were supposed to go to the Phillies game, and we stayed and negotiated because it was that important, and because we thought we were very, very near." In a conference call, the governor said that all the movement in the last four days of talks -- once he got involved -- was on management's part. They'd gone from nine percent in wage increases over five years, he says, to 11½ percent plus a $1,250 bonus.[31]

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell and other local officials were also involved in Monday's meeting. "At a time when Philadelphians are losing their jobs and taking furlough days, it's outrageous for the union to walk out of these talks because the pay increase was not enough," said Butler.[21] Nutter, along with Gov. Ed Rendell and U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, joined the talks last week and helped get things moving, SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney said. He said that SEPTA is “anxious to get this thing done with or without whoever is involved. Ballard Spahr, the law firm that represents SEPTA in negotiations, also represents the city in discussions with its four municipal unions.[22] Governor Ed Rendell and Mayor Michael Nutter stepped in to facilitate talks between SEPTA and the union, but no deal could be met during nearly 13 hours of negotiations. "It is incomprehensible to us. We cannot understand what this is really about," Mayor Michael Nutter said.[5]

Gov. Rendell, who along with Mayor Nutter addressed reporters in the lobby of the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue, where negotiations had been under way since 10 a.m. yesterday, called the decision to strike before dawn "irresponsible." Rendell said the union action would cause chaos with morning transit riders who would not know what is happening until after they wake up. "This is an outrageous action," Nutter said.[12] Gov. Rendell called the decision to strike before dawn "irresponsible." "This is an outrageous action," said Mayor Nutter, who joined Rendell last night to address reporters in the lobby of the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue, where negotiations had been under way since 10 a.m. yesterday. It was a difference over wages that sparked the walkout. Earlier Monday, transit officials disclosed that both sides had reached a tentative agreement on health care and were reportedly close on wages.[7]

The city transportation system's largest union went on strike early Tuesday over wage, pension and health care issues.[17]

U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D., Pa.) in the meantime called today for an immediate resumption of negotiations. "The working men and women and their families in the neighborhoods of Philadelphia are the ones feeling the impact of today's transit system strike most severely," Fattah said in a statement. "Both management and union may see these riders as 'leverage' but they are not pawns, they are the lifeblood of our city especially in these harsh economic times. They deserve better, and they deserve an immediate settlement."[6] Henderson commutes from Elkins Park, on the northern edge of Philadelphia. A city resident who only gave his first name, Gary, backed the union. "Local 234 is standing up for the union members; Philadelphia is a union city," he commented. "Local 234 is just expressing its rights. Septa always pulls the economy into negotiations, but when it comes to their managers getting paid, they get what they want."[38]

According to Philly.com, "hundreds of thousands of commuters scrambled. to find a way to work or school" after SEPTA's largest union walked amid unresolved contract negotiations.[40] Gov. Rendell today chastised union leaders for calling a strike against SEPTA, saying they turned down a "sensational" contract in tough economic times.[6] The union had threatened to go on strike during the World Series, But over the weekend Gov. Ed Rendell ordered the union and SEPTA to remain at the bargaining table or risk consequences.[43] "The union leadership walked on a victory last night," Rendell said Tuesday. "They just didn't know when to declare victory." Brown said he had gone against his union's best interests by acquiescing on Friday to the request of Rendell and Nutter not to strike during the World Series.[8]

Governor Ed Rendell joined Mayor Nutter in hitting back as the "SEPTA on strike" news spread. He noted that the union is unrealistic in its demands, and is not recognizing the fact that there is a recession on. He called the "surprise strike" very foolish.[13] Many commuters, already not sympathetic of the union, did not take the news of "SEPTA on strike" very well. With SEPTA on strike, the transit agency recommends that commuters visit its website at http://www.septa.org/sip/index.html.[13] The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority's (SEPTA) largest union has gone on strike.[32]

As many as 425,000 passengers where shocked to know about the '''surprise strike''' in the morning. Most of them found out when they arrived at their stations. The SEPTA strike has been described as '''irresponsible''' by Governor Rendell and he noted that the union is unrealistic in its demands, and is not recognizing the fact that there is a recession on.[44] As hundreds of thousands of commuters and schoolchildren braced for a second day without public transit, Gov. Rendell and Mayor Nutter chastised union leaders for calling the surprise predawn strike.[8]

Mayor Nutter activated the city's Emergency Operations Center at 5:30 a.m. in response to the strike. Riders who use SEPTA every day to get to work were frustrated to learn they will have to find alternate means of transportation. "They make more money than I can ever fathom to make and they're going on strike.[5] The petition was filed with the Judge of Elections, and Mayor Michael Nutter later issued a statement in support of the motion. "Not only is the SEPTA strike hugely inconvenient for Philadelphians trying to get to and from work, it could also make it difficult for them to exercise their democratic right and vote in today's elections," Nutter's statement read. "I am in full support of the Democratic City Committee's request that polling places stay open for an extra hour this evening and I urge my fellow citizens to do their best to vote today."[34]

In addition to hampering tranportation to traditional work settings, the strike has already begun to affect performing artists in Philadelphia and surrounding areas, including nearby New Castle County, who utilize SEPTA to travel to music and spoken word venues in the city. Many of these artists depend on such "gigs" for income and promotion and will lose revenue without access to SEPTA. Also, the organizers of such events will likely lose patrons and revenue due to the strike, while still paying a standard rental rate to the space they've already secured for such events.[24] Gov. Rendell continued late yesterday afternoon to work with both sides in the SEPTA contract dispute with no new strike threat emerging.[39]

The union has been without a contract for seven months. It had initially set a strike deadline of midnight Friday, which would have coincided with the World Series games being played in Philadelphia.[6] Messages left with the union by The Associated Press seeking further comment on the negotiations were not immediately returned. The strike announcement came just hours after thousands of fans took the subway home following the Phillies' victory over the Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series, the last game to be played at Citizens Bank Park this season.[17] The union delayed going on strike during the World Series, but moved quick to strike after Game 5 ended.[32]

"We could never let the union and Septa management be in the room by themselves. The mayor and I and Congressman Brady. at least two of us had to be in the room at all times to keep the tempers and the animosity down so they could focus on issues." He also warns that if the strike drags on, he might withdraw his offer of $6 million in state dollars to sweeten the deal, and the offer the union gets could end up being worse.[31] It's about time people stop sympathizing with nonsense like this. SEPTA is a perfect example of how union cities like Philadelphia just let this stuff get wayyyyyy out of control. They're already decent, even WELL paid, we pay 99% of their health care costs, and SEPTA service sucks! We're already not getting much out of this little agreement and they still have the audacity to constantly ask for more, and not only that but they do it through crappy manipulative means like this.[25] Oh yea, and pay 25% of their health care costs. If I remember we had a 100+ day strike in the 70's and we can break the union if we make them give concessions.[12]

There had been no talk of an imminent walkout as recently as Monday evening. Willie Brown, the local's president, said workers decided to strike after both sides agreed that they had gone as far as they could in negotiations over salary, pension and health care issues.[17] Anti-union sentiment is anti-worker. If the company had their way they'd pay drivers minimum wage and give no benefits. I can understand the difficulty for someone who relies on transit to get to work, but we're all workers and we should all stick together against the REAL enemy, the CEOs who make millions then point fingers and blue collar workers and call them "greedy" for wanting a salary that can support a family. Hi! I live in the State of Vermont and I heard about the strike just when they were announcing it on the news as it was happening.[4] Labor experts agree that a walkout over wages in a down economy is a hard sell. Striking transit workers may have a tough time earning the sympathy of passengers who are losing their own jobs and taking salary cuts, said Harley Shaiken, a labor studies professor at the University of California-Berkeley. "For public employees during a tough recession, it's more difficult, but not impossible, to gain broader support," Shaiken said. "The key is convincing people that your victory benefits them rather than comes at their expense."[3] Why is it no one complains when money is spent on stadiums and arenas to make other people richer than what they are but when it comes time for the "public servants" like transit fire ems etc. everyone makes a big deal about giving more money to them? If people stick together and stand up and support each other just maybe the "working" people of this state might get something. If the workers want more money to deal with 8+ hours a day of ungrateful jerks, exhaust fumes, stress, and traffic, they should get it. I have a feeling that most people against this strike have cushy office jobs (like myself) and never have to experience 40+ hours a week of actual labor.[4]

There was little sympathy for striking workers. "This is a bit much," said Marquita Powell, who had earlier been venting her frustration to a friend, but toned down her reaction for publication. "SEPTA doesn't care about working people, all they care about is the game." Like many working people who rely on the buses and subways to get to work, Powell said, she resented SEPTA strikers delaying their walkout out of respect for the World Series, then sticking it to commuters at 3 a.m. on a weekday. "They know it's a recession! People might lose their jobs. They don't have the money to get cabs."[25] I ride each and every day. The buses are either late, stuffed so full they drive by you or are non-existent. The drivers and tolls takers have attitudes, as if we owe THEM something more than their average $55,000 a year salary. They are fortunate to have jobs and to turn down the offer they received (which was more than generous)is a slap in the face. Do they realize how many people are out of work or holding on by a thread? And how many of them rely on Septa? Or should I say, held hostage? From now on, I will walk the 2 miles to work each day and 2 miles home. I refuse to give them my money or to rely on them.[25]

Start a clean sweep, including all of the deadbeat and overpaid management, get rid of the dime-a-dozen overpaid loafers, and hire people who really want to work for decent wages. The waste of money by Septa through the years is sickening with their misuse of federal, state, and city monies. Rendell will bail them out again.[8] Given the economic downturn, layoffs and wage freezes in other sectors, the governor said Tuesday that SEPTA's offer was "sensational." "It was a very good contract in the best of times," Rendell said. "It was, in my judgment, nuts to walk out. I think the SEPTA workers would have jumped at this."[17] Brown said Nutter's biggest concern was that the SEPTA contract would set a pattern for city workers, including police and firefighters.[8]

SEPTA's Regional Rail service is still running, but many commuters use city transportation to gain access to Regional Rail, making it virtually inaccesible without bus, subway, or trolley operation. [24] Just to be clear, while SEPTA is on strike as of last night, Regional Rail, Paratransit and other services outside the city continued to run.[13] Despite the SEPTA Strike, Regional Rail and Paratransit along with other regional transport services are running Tuesday morning.[23]

Riders expressed a range of emotions, from anger to resignation. Aisha Nnoli, a doctor from Upper Darby, had just finished a 12-hour shift at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital downtown when she found the gates closed at her subway stop. When she went to the next station and saw it was also closed, she said she started realizing there might be a strike. She went to a SEPTA information kiosk and found she could get halfway home by using regional rail. That would still leave her more than 3 miles from her door. "It's an inconvenience, obviously," Nnoli said.[17] The regional rail is not on strike, thankfully. It's only the city buses, trolleys, and subways. Otherwise, good post.[9] A. The strike affects all bus, subway, and trolley service in the city - as well as the Frontier Division buses in Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester counties.[14] According to the news reports, '''All bus, subway and trolley services in the city will be interrupted by the strike.[37]

The strike came with little notice at 3 a.m. Tuesday, creating headaches for commuters who rely on SEPTA bus and subway service. Attorney Sam Stretton says he may refile the motion later in the day if there's evidence the strike is keeping voters from reaching polling places.[45] SEPTA should be required to at least provide bus service for school students; private, public, charter, etc., even while they are on strike. These schools are being held accountable for attendance levels by Dept of Education.[42]

The Philadelphia School District expects students to report to school during the SEPTA strike but it is preparing learning packets for those who can't.[42] With Philadelphia Public School students off today for a teachers' in-service, the city should be spared the full impact of the strike until tomorrow.[7]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Philadelphia commuters are scrambling to find other ways to get to work as a strike has brought the city's transit system to a near halt.[43] A lot of commuters in the city of Philadelphia woke up to find out that their transportation to work or school was no longer available this morning.[4]

PHILADELPHIA — Negotiators for Philadelphia's transit agency and its largest union have postponed a scheduled Sunday evening meeting and plan to meet Monday morning instead. Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority spokesman Richard Maloney said Sunday he believes the two sides are "slowly but surely getting there."[46] A spokesman for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority says the agency hasn't heard back from the union. Regional rail service isn't interrupted because those crews are covered by separate contracts.[35] The doors to subway stations are gated off and no Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority buses are crawling the streets. Jeffrey Chandler, 49, says he had to call a friend for a ride to a regional rail station because buses weren't running. Regional rail service isn't interrupted because those crews are covered by separate contracts.[43]

Regional rail service, most buses operating out of the 69th Street Terminal and '''LUCY''' buses, which run through University City, have crews covered by separate contracts and thus will continue operations'''.[37] A. Regional Rail service, Victory Division buses in Delaware County, most operating out of the 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby; Route 101 and 102 trolley lines and the Norristown High Speed Line; "LUCY" buses in West Philadelphia between 30th Street Station and University City destinations; and Paratransit service are not affected by the walkout.[14] “I have to take two different Regional Rail lines, the R3 to the R7. I walked a bit from my house this morning. His suddenly dreadful commute, usually made easy by city buses and subways, helped create swirling lines for every Regional Rail line at Suburban Station.[22]

All city transportation is stopped until further notice. Suburban transit running from 69th St. Station (including the bus lines 110, 111, and 117 that run to Penn State Brandywine) as well as Regional Rail, are in operation (although they are expecting 30-40 minute delays due to the increased ridership). Students should make the necessary arrangements in order to maintain their participation in classes at Penn State Brandywine and should make every effort to stay in communication with their instructors regarding class attendance.[47]

A. Student weekday passes are not valid for Regional Rail trains, SEPTA says. "Students wishing to use Regional Rail service must upgrade their Student Passes to the appropriate TrailPass needed for travel from the Station used. The Student will surrender their weekday pass and receive a credit of $3.13 for each valid day of the pass, towards the purchase of a weekly TrailPass," according to SEPTA.org.[14] Patients are being cared for." The university didn't have estimates of how many students or employees use SEPTA. However, with more students living on campus than a decade ago, it's not quite as many as it would have been in the past. "There are lots of us who use regional rail plus the subway," he said. "It still has a big impact."[42] With SEPTA buses, subways and trolleys idled, thousands of extra riders Tuesday crammed onto Regional Rail trains, forcing widespread delays, especially during the evening rush hour. Many others took to their cars, snarling traffic throughout the region.[8]

The strike also affects buses that serve the suburbs in Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester counties. Regional rail service was still operating, but trains were delayed as they experienced higher-than-normal crowds.[17] Lastly, no quiet cars on Regional Rail lines if there's a strike. That means YELL IT OUT, PEOPLE! On second thought, don't. Let's all try to get though this peacefully, if it comes down to it.[29]

Rendell intervened to make sure there was no strike during the World Series, which would have caused major transportation disruptions and embarrassed the city during a national event. He does not care about the people in the city only national embarrassment.[39] Once the threat of a strike during the World Series evaporated, Brown said, Rendell and Nutter grew increasingly inflexible. "They were kicking us around like we were the prime cans of the world."[8]

At the urging of Rendell and Mayor Nutter, the union agreed to continue service during the World Series as talks resumed.[6] No talks were held Tuesday, as hundreds of thousands of work-a-day riders scrambled to find alternate ways to and from work and school. Rendell, Nutter and U.S. Rep. Robert Brady (D., Pa.) were involved in the talks until they broke off early Tuesday. Rendell, who said he had slept little for the last three nights and missed Game 5 of the World Series because of the negotiations, said he was willing to continue to work with both sides.[8]

Septa didn't start negotiations before the March contract ended, so let's blame Septa as well. Rendell is at fault for not making the state money withheld if at anytime they walk away from negotiations not just the World Series game.[25]

This article is about the passing of the SEPTA strike deadline and the possibility of a strike today during the World Series. Every SEPTA rider in Philadelphia, and countless sports fans, are on edge in hoping that there won't be a SEPTA strike - especially on this gigantic sports weekend in Philly.[32]

SEPTA's union should be embarassed by what they did. They are certainly entitled to strike, however, deciding to walk off the job at 3:00am is a disgrace.[8] If you weren't getting proper benefits/pay/pension, you would strike too so stop whining." Annie A. had this status: "Mayor Nutter, I'd rather walk all winter than have you give into SEPTA. They should shut up and do their job for pennies and sh-tty benefits like 99% of America." Stay tuned for more updates on this news story.[40]

How does a transit system with service as poor and unhelpful as Septa's have the cojones to ask for raises and benefit increases in an economic climate like this?! Raises have been suspended at most people's jobs from what I know. I'm sure there are plenty of qualified people that would love to have their jobs right now.[14] Are the Septa leaders nuts. Most of us are lucky to just have a job these days and they turned down a contract with a guarantee increase in pay and no additional cost to their membership for their health benefits.[6] I work for a large teaching hospital in the suburbs, and no one got cost of living or performance-based wage increases this year. We all accepted this reality, thankful to at least have a job with health benefits.[10]

Wow, SEPTA union leaders are nuts for not accepting that deal. Pay increases coupled with no increase in health insurance contributions in this day and age just doesn't happen. [6] On the table, an 11 percent increase in pension contributions and no health care payment increase. "No other employee in this area can possibly get something like that in this day and age," SEPTA spokesperson Richard Maloney said.[5]

Did they notice that we have rough times in this country and in this city? They city wants to close libraries and swimming pools for kids - and they want 4% increase in pay? There is no love lost in Philadelphia for Septa drivers - surly and overpaid as it is. [14] PHILADELPHIA — Labor experts say striking transit workers in Philadelphia may have a tough time earning sympathy from riders who are losing their own jobs and taking salary cuts.[17] Talks stalled last week, but workers agreed to stay on the job until after the World Series games in Philadelphia were over.[48]

Fire every worker who walked off the job. I challenge any of them to find a job in this economy. They should now get nothing. As for the union leadership.reports are coming in that their heads are firmly planted up their own asses.[12] Governor Rendell and Mayor Nutter need to stop peacocking for the media and get the job done at the negotiating table. And, the union needs to accept that their timing on this new contract is bad.[15] The union membership voted Oct. 25 to authorize a strike. They have been without a contract since March.[20] "We're in here for the long haul." He said the union didn't want to strike, but that SEPTA gave it no choice. "We don't want to see anybody suffer," he said.[17] I don't remember local companies striking until all of the people that could be "collateral damage" were out of the way. However this changed when of all the groups that could strike and did was the teacher's union.[32] Hopefully it will not be too difficult for you to find alternate transportation. I do however applaud management for taking a stand and not caving to these outrageous union demands. Once this strike is finally settled, these drivers are going to have to face the public every day. The same public that knows how the drivers treated them and held them hostage with their greedy self-serving me-first attitudes.[12]

Wednesday is the second day of the strike, but the first for students who had Tuesday off due to Election Day. Standing near the end of a long line at Suburban Station last evening, Richard Boston was halfway through his long commute from work at a Northeast Philadelphia nursing home to home in Southwest Philly.[22] The strike means all buses, subways and trolleys in Philadelphia and on the Frontier line in Bucks and Montgomery counties stopped running at 3 a.m.[38]

The request was made Tuesday by the Democratic City Commity and Philadelphia District Attorney candidate Seth Williams out of concern that the strike is making it tough for people to get out and vote.[34] Limousines, partial-rights cabs and county cabs can serve customers in the city for the duration of the strike, according to the Philadelphia Parking Authority.[14]

"There is no package like that anywhere nearby, of at least any unionized workforce -- not the city, not the state. Nobody has that kind of package sitting in front of them." "This is an unreasonable situation. It is irrational. It is unacceptable, and completely insensitive to the citizens of the city and the riding public." The mayor is urging residents to be patient and do their best to cope as they make alternate commuting plans. He is urging employers to cut their workers slack if they are late for work as the strike continues.[31] The motion was prompted by an early morning strike by Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority workers.[45] The workers went on strike at 3 a.m. Monday. "It was an ambush of the citizens and the riding public," said Nutter. "No one saw this coming.[8]

The SEPTA strike has been called "irresponsible" by Governor Rendell and Mayor Nutter calls it "outrageous".[19] How sad is this? Philadelphians who WORK for a living & rely on SEPTA & their mediocre services have to find out when they wake up that they are on strike.[12] SEPTA employs 5,000 residents. SEPTA issued the following short statement moments ago to AP: "There will be people waking up this morning to commute into work. Unfortunately there's not going to be service for them."[23] In the absence of most forms of public transit in America's sixth-largest city, some 800,000 people had to find other means of getting to work on Tuesday morning, Williams said.[21]

Temple University, many of whose students rely on mass transit, in the meatime has set up a shuttle service between Center City and its North Philadelphia campuses.[42] PHILADELPHIA - Talks between Philadelphia's transit agency and its largest union are set to continue Monday.[20] As of right now, no new talks are scheduled between SEPTA officials and union officials.[5]

The drivers are surly, the service poor, seems like its time for raise! In case none of these people read the news, NO ONE is getting raises, unless of course you are the CEO of a corporation in bankruptcy, or in a Union.[14] The union is asking for a four-year deal with no raise in the first year and 3 percent increases in the last three years.[22] SEPTA has offered a five-year deal with no raise in the first year, 2.5 percent in the second year, and 3 percent in the last three years with a $1,250 signing bonus.[22]

SEPTA's 5,100 unionized bus drivers, subway and trolley operators earn from $14.54 to $24.24 an hour, reaching the top rate after four years.[7] The union represents more than 5,000 bus drivers, subway and trolley operators and mechanics who have been working without a contract since early spring.[46] Companies start outsourcing some of the work that needs to be done (like bus maintenance) which eliminates some union jobs. If need be, companies pick up their toys and move where the labor is non-union and fairly priced.[10] I am a polite, courteous, paying customer of SEPTA. Now that is is obvious that the union goons don't care about me, maybe I'll start leaving my trash all over the already filthy vehicles or doing anything I can to make their jobs harder.[8]

Septa union workers are just pieces of crap trying to take advantage of the union system.[9] With real unemployment at 15+ percent and one out of three employed private sector workers having taken a significant pay cut since the onset of recession, this is unacceptable. Another example of the estrangement from reality demonstrated by unions.[14]

An agreement between SEPTA and its largest union remains elusive, and the two sides will resume negotiations today.[10] Elected officials were highly critical of the union's late-night decision to call an early morning walkout, which caught the bulk of SEPTA commuters by surprise.[11] Now I hope that the union gets nothing. It sounds like they had a decent offer, and instead they decided that it would be better for morning commuters to wake up to find that they had no way to get to their work? I have some choice words for them, none of which can be printed here.[12] The disruption to the public was heightened by the union representatives midnight walkout at a time when commuters had not made alternative arrangements for getting to work, Butler said.[21]

Gov. Ed Rendell over the weekend ordered the union and SEPTA to remain at the bargaining table or risk "significant consequences." [18] Gov. Ed Rendell ordered the union and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to remain at the bargaining table or risk "significant consequences."[20] The union represents more than 5,000 drivers, operators and mechanics of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.[2]

Nutter also ripped the union for shutting down transportation to polls on an Election Day.[33] "We believe that the package we were offering was fair and very generous," Williams said. Mayor Michael Nutter, who was involved in talks for some 10 hours on Monday, attacked the union's walkout as "unreasonable," said his spokesman Luke Butler.[21]

It's time for people to show the local Democrats how they feel in the voting booth. Just saying "please, please come back and talk about this overly generous deal that has no basis in financial reality for Septa or the taxpayer" is not enough. It's time for at-will termination as allowed by law.[6] Assholes all around. Someone needs to put pressure on Septa to honor passes that people aready hold - especially student passes! Why should passengers using alternate routes pay twice? This is how these strikes don't hurt the company as much as one would think.[30] People believed the danger of a strike by SEPTA was over; obviously it wasn't.[32]

A 2005 SEPTA strike lasted seven days, while a 1998 transit strike lasted for 40 days.[17] KYW is your 24-hour source for the very latest on the Septa strike, plus Traffic and Transit on the Twos every 10 minutes as driving becomes a major alternative for many regular commuters.[31] "SEPTA Strike: What you should know" The sooner I get away from my mass transit addiction, the better it will be for me.[14]

With a SEPTA on strike, some will find it difficult, if not impossible, to make it to the polls. Election Day is November 3, 2009, and while not a major election in terms of the presidency or Congress, it's still an election day.[13] Philadelphia's last transit strike was in 2005, and lasted five days, Williams told Reuters.[2] PHILADELPHIA — Even in the best of times, waking up to a surprise transit strike is like a bad dream come true.[3] PHILADELPHIA - An attempt to keep Philadelphia polling places open late because of a transit strike has been denied.[45]

Any student who can't make it to school because of a strike will be marked absent, Philadelphia Superintendent Arlene Ackerman said in a letter sent home to parents last week. It will be an excused absence if a note is provided and students will not be penalized for any awards programs, the superintendent said.[42] I only make $105 a shift. That's taking food off my table." Powell said that because of the strike, her daughter, a 10th grader at West Catholic High School, was unable to get to school today.[25] I say do a "Ronald Reagan" to them. (Air Traffic Controllers Strike) Fire them! Run full page ad's in the major newspapers "SETPA is hiring." $52,0000 a year. $10 dollar per pay health insurance. $1,200.00 sign on bonus.[8] The university had no estimates on attendance so far today. In addition to the bus service, Temple during the strike will offer some reduced-rate parking, based on availability, on its main campus and health sciences center parking areas. Buzz this story.[42] To help with the transportation crunch, Temple University has activated a bus system that will make loops along Broad Street from the university's health sciences campus, which is north of the main campus, to the Center City campus and back. The university has posted pick-up areas and service details on its web site: www.Temple.edu.[42]

Regional Rail, Paratransit and other services outside the city continued to run.[7] Many had already created a contingency plan for a mass transit shutdown and are making modifications as needed. At Pennsylvania Hospital in center city, shuttle buses are transporting employees during late-night and early-morning hours to and from 8th and Market and 11th and Market Streets, for those who want to use Regional Rails or Patco.[49] For trips between the suburbs and the city on the Regional Rails, commuters will need to pay extra or purchase a Regional Rail TrailPass.[14] Crowds are heavy on regional rail as commuters try to find alternate ways to work.[43]

Many subway and bus riders turned to passenger Regional Rail trains, some of which were crowded and running up to 30 minutes late during the morning rush hour.[7] Extra service may be added on certain lines to accommodate additional riders. Regional Rail customers are advised to purchase tickets well in advance of their trips as this service will seen an influx of thousands of riders.[27] Officials, however, claimed that few Delaware County buses, 101 and 102 Media Sharon Hill trolleys, the Norristown high-speed line and regional rail lines would go ahead with operations according to routine.[37] Officials said regional rail lines, the Norristown high speed line, the 101 and 102 Media and Sharon Hill trolleys and some Delaware County buses will continue to operate.[5]

Regional rail service is still running. As a person who relies on public transportation, this whole ordeal really yanks my chain. [4]

All mass transit service in the city, except for regional Amtrak service is now stalled.[48] The next round of talks is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Gov. Ed Rendell's regional office in Philadelphia. Rendell has told both sides to stay at the bargaining table or risk "significant consequences" of losing state support for mass transit.[46] The two sides met Monday in Rendell's Philadelphia office. A SEPTA spokesman said both sides walked out around midnight.[1] At SEPTA's Olney station on the Broad Street Line in North Philadelphia, the benches were vacant, except for a cold chicken finger in a McDonald's box. Stranded riders went through their contacts on their cell phones, trying to reach family members and friends to ask for a lift.[25]

“It was a very good contract in the best of times. It was, in my judgment, nuts to walk out. I think the SEPTA workers would have jumped at this.[22] Today, it is simply for greed. The lady who keeps posting on here says we do not know that they make Septa workers stay on their job past their scheduled end time.[8] The SEPTA workers are not asking for that much. According to Obama we are coming out of these bad economic times. It seems to me we all should stop believing corporate executives and start believing in our middle class workers.[10]

Public schools are closed today for a previously scheduled staff training session, but all are to open tomorrow on schedule. All before and after school activities will continue as scheduled, and parents are expected to pick up their children on time, district officials said. The district estimates that 54,000 students including charter, parochial and private students use SEPTA this year, based on the number of free passes given out.[42] From charter schools, 12,000 kids use SEPTA; 11,000 private and archdiocesan students rely on SEPTA -- 58,000 in all. "We ask that our parents and guardians do the best they can to find alternative means to get to school -- whether it's carpooling or driving. We also ask that if parents decide to allow their child to bike to school, that they talk to them about safety precautions so they are safe on the way to school." Hanna says if children can't make it to school, their parent or guardian should contact the child's teacher, so the he or she can keep up with scheduled assignments. It's the same advice for students who attend archdiocesan schools -- schools will remain open, and parents are encouraged to make alternate arrangements.[41] On an average weekday, about 54,000 public and parochial students take SEPTA to school. "Our expectations are for students and employees to do their best to come to school," district spokesman Fernando Gallard said.[3]

Still traffic appeared to be heavier than usual throughout the city as workers and parents of Catholic School students took to cars.[7] Just raise the taxes a little bit more so you can give pay raises and free health insurance to all the lazy public workers of the city.[8]

When the union demands undeserved raises it affects not just the SEPTA riders, but all taxpayers as well. [10] Does the union seriously expect to gain any sympathy? This was a rotten, sneaky, middle-of-the-night trick, and the people they are hurting the most are those who are already barely making it. They were offered bonuses and an 11.5% raise over 5 years--in this economy, a guaranteed 2% raise is better than most people get. Give them a dose of reality.[25] People in other occupations seem to understand that when the economy is marching forward, you can expect pay increases, and when the economy takes a step back, you are lucky to hold the line where it is. People who are working under a pay freeze are not stupid, to the contrary they are realistic. They see what the unions are doing as extortion.[10]

Just another Philadelphia city union making an example of how unions themselves can be bad things. [14] Union president Willie Brown, in a telephone interview, painted a different picture early today. "They wouldn't provide the proper numbers" during negotiations, Brown said. "When it comes right down to it, they've underfunded our pension for years."[7]

Just allow the bus drivers to carry guns and rob every passenger that enters their vehicle. Wouldn't that get the job accomplished more directly? When a commuter is in the turnstile paying their fare on the subway, lock the turnstile in place, put a gun at their head, and confiscate their money. That ought to keep the pensions solvent.[6] That's because nearly five thousand bus drivers, subway operators, and mechanics are on strike.[48]

Updates on the status of the strike are at philly.com. This impact of this strike has already had a great reach as many commuters have been tardy to or absent from work as a result.[24] The strike comes just hours after the Phillies beat the Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series, the last game of the series to be played at Citizens Bank Park.[1] The strike is effective Tuesday 3 am and comes hours after the World Series leaves Philly.[23]

Waiting until the last Philly World Series game was over to accomodate the wealthy and out-of-towners who could afford to go to the game, then putting it to the working people trying to get to work, school or doctor's visits is about as low as you can go as organized labor.[14]

"We are working on adding more cars to some of our regularly scheduled trains." Because crowds and delays are expected, SEPTA asks people to adjust their work schedules or find other alternative means of transportation.[14] There's only firing to be done, and hiring non-union labor. There's only one path here, and that is to restart Septa serving riders and taxpayers with the best employee for the job, and that employee in this case is non-unionized and ready to work.[6] Pinging is currently not allowed. Those stupid pieces of crap. They didn't go to college, they should be happy they even have a job right now. I say we fire them all and then hire people who will actually love to work for 52k a year.[9] Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter disgraced the move by saying '''People had already gone to bed. Some people were already at their job.[44] What a bunch of greedy pigs. People are losing jobs around the country, the economy is crashed, governments are bankrupt and these guys want raises. Not only is this crazy but they are also incompetent and rude as service providers.[14] Fire then all and hire new people who aren't necessarily so greedy and understand the current economy. There are thousands of people who would give their left arm for one of these jobs.[27]

How many millions of dollars do you think the average CEO makes? Who do you think is more exhausted at the end of a work day, some corporate fat cat or a guy who's been driving a bus for 10 hours? I would have the patience or fortitude to deal with jerks and traffic all day long to drive a trolley. These people work hard. They work to ensure the safety of many, many people everyday and they should be treated well and paid accordingly. [12] Bus and trolley services suddenly came to a stop as result daily commuters where stranded.[44] Yellow bus service will continue for students who usually get it, but the buses will not transport other students, Ackerman said. The school district will provide safe places for students to store their bikes if they choose to ride to school, she said.[42] The impact should be lessened today because Philadelphia Public School students have off for a teachers in-service day.[14]

Powell, 32, works the night shift as a nursing assistant at Greenleaf Nursing Home in Doylestown. She had to ask a co-worker for a ride home this morning. As they were getting ready to leave, Powell said, the ran into a colleague who was just arriving in a cab from Philadelphia. "She said it cost her $75. It's not fair.[25] I think Septa is a disgrace and should be penalized for what they did to the commuters this morning.[25]

There's no contract. Septa can hire and fire at will, and has in the past been reluctant to do that, but I think it's finally time.[25] Buses and Subways are the main cause for concern, but local rail systems have not been affected as the crews are operated by different contracts.[9] One that gives employees a 10% cost of living increase over 5 years. And, what it all means is that no buses, trolleys, or subways will be running until both sides can reach an accord. This appears to be a bitter situation and one that will take a while to resolve.[15]

Have you tried to watch the news lately? If not for the Phillies all the news would be caustic and depressing. Nobody wants to start their day that way. Do you know how many kids were waiting for buses that never came? I will exercise every option before utuilizing SEPTA in the near future, cab, amtrak, bicycle, skateboard, are all more appealing at this point.[8] As of now, there have been no new negotiating sessions scheduled. For up-to-the-second information on those SEPTA services that are operating, follow SEPTA on Twitter.[11] There may be some delays due to increased demand and local street traffic For SEPTA s full Service Interruption Guide and other related information please visit www.septa.org/strike.[26] What I am saying is regardless of the economic climate they shouldn't get a dime. Septa's Service sucks period, and they don't deserve a raise.[10] You guys kill me, are you saying that the employees, who work for SEPTA. should never ask for a raise? In this economic climate. REALLY. it's not their fault that the board is greedy and selfish.[10]

Septa has been mismanaged for years, wasting thousand and thousands of taxpayer bailout dollars. Don't they get it? The people are fed up and don't care anymore about them.[8] It gives me hope to see that some workers still have a little power over their own lives. I support the strikers and hate to see other working-class people getting down on them. They deserve an honorable wage just like all of us do.[9] Last week, the school district said that classes would not be canceled. It was unclear what arrangements would be made. It was a difference over wages that sparked the walkout. Earlier yesterday, transit officials disclosed that both sides had reached a tentative agreement on health care and were reportedly close on wages.[12]

My next door neighbor drives a city bus and makes $31 an hour and has only a high school education.[27] A. Riders between Philadelphia International Airport and Center City may be charged the current $28.50 flat rate.[14] On Broad Street in North Philadelphia, which is usually served by the subway, cars were bumper to bumper into Center City.[7]

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