TWU members at Local 234 in Philadelphia voted to ratify a new one-year contract with the Southeastern Regional Transportation Authority – a deal that includes a 5% pay raise and safety improvements including including bulletproof enclosures on buses to protect Bus Operators, upgrades to radios, and fixes to allow uninterrupted communication in tunnels.
The deal went into effect on Dec. 8th and is retroactive to November 8th, 2024. The deal expires on November 7th, 2025. TWU International leadership and Local 234 will continue their fight for more SEPTA funding in the coming months and International President John Samuelsen met with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro last week to discuss the need for structural change for transit funding that ensures a permanent statewide funding fix.
“Congrats to Local 234 members, who ratified their SEPTA CBA with a 5% raise over 1 year and no concessions,” Samuelsen said. “Now, we fight a campaign for permanent transit funding in Pennsylvania.”
TWU Local 234 President Brian Pollitt said “The contract we just ratified will put more money in our members’ pockets and will improve safety and security for workers and passengers.”
The overwhelming vote in favor of ratification came after Local 234 approved a potential strike in October amid contentious negotiations. SEPTA initially offered a contract with zero raises and healthcare cost increases – a non-starter for TWU members.
The fight now heads to Harrisburg to ensure a sustainable transit funding source for SEPTA. Shapiro announced last month that he would flex $153 million in federal funds to temporarily fund SEPTA in the coming months, but the legislature will need to pass legislation that provides a long-term fix.