Transport Workers Union of America Local 234, working in conjunction with TWU International, secured a one-year contract agreement that provides significant wage increases and safety improvements for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority transit workers, and does not provide any concessions to SEPTA.
“This is a massive win for Bus Operators, Subway Operators, Trolley Operators, Mechanics, Cashiers, Maintenance Workers, and Custodians across Philadelphia,” TWU International President John Samuelsen said. “This victory was possible because of the TWU International and Local 234’s steadfast pursuit of contract fairness for Philadelphia’s transit workers. Now, the fight shifts to winning dedicated funding for transit in Pennsylvania, and we intend to work with Governor Josh Shapiro to make it happen. When the TWU works with our local affiliates to fightback against the bosses who seek to harm us – we win.”
TWU International, which represents 155,000 workers across the country, worked closely with TWU Local 234 to get a deal done. The deal provides a 5% raise and pension adjustments. It also includes safety improvements to better protect workers on the job. And despite initial demands from SEPTA that included zero raises and healthcare givebacks, the deal does not give any concessions to SEPTA. The tentative agreement is scheduled for a ratification vote on December 6th.
“Although these negotiations were tedious and it was a rumble, we made it happen,” TWU Local 234 President Brian Pollitt said.
“Local 234 and TWU International leadership were instrumental in getting a deal across the line,” said TWU Administrative Vice President Curtis Tate. “This deal is a victory for working families across Philadelphia who provide critical services to the traveling public.”
“We sent a clear message to SEPTA – the TWU and Local 234 will fight to ensure contract gains for workers and will not accept a deal that continues the unacceptable status quo for safety,” said TWU Transit Division Director and former Local 234 President Willie Brown.