Philly judge denies injunction to end SEPTA strike

A judge denied SEPTA’s request for an injunction on Friday, which means the strike – unless the two sides come together – will continue through the weekend.

Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Linda Carpenter scheduled a hearing for 10:30 a.m. on Monday when she will consider ordering striking workers to return to their posts for Election Day.

“SEPTA serves a population that is uniquely transit dependent,” SEPTA attorney Robert Hawkins said, Billy Penn reported.

RELATED: SEPTA will seek court injunction to end city transit strike

The city’s commuters and school children were affected this week, but a bigger concern remains: voter turnout on Tuesday.

“It appears that SEPTA’s plan all along was to avoid real bargaining while relying on legal tricks,” TWU Local 234 said. “We are committed to bargaining a new agreement as soon as possible. That will happen at the bargaining table – not by rushing into court in a pointless attempt to restrict workers’ rights.”