Leaders of the Transit Police union stepped back from the brink of a work stoppage Monday night, at least temporarily, continuing talks with SEPTA management about a new contract for the transportation system’s patrol officers.
After working through the weekend, the union and the transit agency had already bargained for several hours beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, and the Fraternal Order of Transit Police Lodge 109 executive board had already met to consider whether to call a strike and were beginning to brief members at about 5 p.m. when word came of a new SEPTA proposal.
In the end, the two sides agreed to reconvene on Tuesday morning, with the union delaying a possible strike until at least midday while it reviews the offer.
SEPTA CEO Leslie S. Richards sat in on negotiations with the union for the first time, spending about 90 minutes at the table, sources said. Union leaders say they have asked for months to talk with Richards herself, instead of going through lawyers and other intermediaries.
The transit police officers’ contract expired in March, and union members voted last month to authorize a walkout. The union represents about 170 patrol officers.
The union argues a pay disparity has contributed to police understaffing amid rider concerns about crime and antisocial behavior on transit.
LINK: https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-2023-strike-update-police-20231120.html#loaded
