Philly transit workers did not go on strike at midnight Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, when their contract expired, but a walkout is still possible at a later date.
TWU Local 234 President Brian Pollitt said that sufficient progress was made at the bargaining table to keep talking – and keep the SEPTA system moving – for now.
“We’re willing to go the extra mile and grant additional time to reach a fair agreement,” Pollitt said Thursday night. “However, let me be clear: if SEPTA’s managers fail to meet our demands, we will be on the picket line.”
TWU International President John Samuelsen said that Local 234 has the International’s complete support.
“The International Transport Workers Union is throwing its full weight behind Local 234 in its fight against SEPTA,” Samuelsen said. “The urgent safety and economic concerns of our transit workers in Philadelphia can’t be ignored any longer. We will provide whatever resources are needed to achieve victory. If SEPTA forces a strike, transport workers from across the country will enthusiastically join Local 234 on the picket lines: airline mechanics, flight attendants, track workers, subway conductors, train operators, and more. Local 234’s fight is our fight too.”