SEPTA union to vote on contract, will strike Monday if not approved

A week after SEPTA and members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 came to terms on a contract, TWU will vote whether to officially accept it, the group announced today.

The union’s some 5,000 members​​ will take to 19 polling locations at SEPTA facilities and the union’s negotiating committee is promoting members vote in favor of the contract. If it’s rejected however, according to a news release, a strike will happen at 12:01 a.m. Monday.

“The contract is all gains and no pain,” said TWU234 President Willie Brown.

The contract — if approved — would provide 5 percent wage increases over the next two years — a 2 percent increase on Dec. 14, followed by an additional 3 percent a year later, a news release stated.

Additionally, there would be a one-time pension bonus of $175 for each year of service for whomever retires in the next two years. Dental benefits would also increase per year.

Brown reminds everyone that no concessions were given, citing that SEPTA ridership is increasing, the cost of fuel has dropped and state aid has risen.

“Despite a national environment that is hostile to workers and their unions, Local 234 was not willing to agree to any, let me emphasize that – any – concessions,” he stated.

Visit www.twulocal234.net for results from Friday’s vote.