Published 27 Oct, 2014
On Sunday, hundreds upon hundreds of our brothers and sisters, working for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), crowded into a Columbus Boulevard meeting hall, unanimously authorizing Local President Willie Brown to take the union out on strike—if necessary to make headway in the Local’s contentious and protracted contract negotiations.
The largest of SEPTA’s 17 unions, Local 234 represents over 5,000 drivers, operators, mechanics, cashiers, and many other titles—all of whom have been going to work every day without a contract since the spring.
In negotiations, management has continued to demand further increases in pension fund contributions, despite the fact that members already contribute 3.5% of their pre-overtime pay to the pension fund.
Local 234 members are united and militant in their support for local leadership and their determination to take home a fair contract.
“There wasn’t a nay in the room,” said Local 234 President Willie Brown. “Members don’t want to strike, but they are willing to fight for what we need.”
TWU International President Harry Lombardo, who served for nearly a decade as President of Local 234 before taking the reins at the International, told members on Sunday that the International is committed to assisting the Local in securing a solid, no-giveback contract through whatever means required.
Transit, Universities, Utilities and Services Division
Director Jerome Lafragola is currently in Philadelphia, providing assistance to the local, along with other members of the TWU International staff.
Joe Pizzo, a Local 234 member and trolley operator, whose route goes through Southwest Philadelphia, expressed the frustration and resolve of the packed hall on Sunday when he said: “We have to stop giving back. [For management] it’s just take, take, take.”
For updates and official documentation of the vote, please visit TWU Local 234’s website at http://www.twulocal234.net!