UPPER DARBY, Pa. (WPVI) — Suburban septic Bus, trolley and train operators voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike on Friday.

SMART Local 1594 represents more than 350 drivers serving Montgomery, Delaware and Chester counties.

“The operators have spoken out and said they are tired of being attacked. They just want to go home the same way they come to work,” said Anthony Petty, general president of SMART Local 1594.

Just like the union workers in Philadelphia with TWU Local 234 is in talks with SEPTA for a new contract, their primary concern is safety and security.

“We come here to work and we come here to work for the public. We don’t come here for people to grab us or spit on us or whatever they do,” Petty said.

SEPTA said they have made progress with TWU Local 234 and are optimistic they will with SMART Local 1594 as well.

Riders I spoke to at the 69th Street Station in Upper Darby expressed their support for the drivers.

“They make this city work,” said Justin Ascareggi, of South Philadelphia.

President Anthony Petty says his members also need a raise. He says he’s seen the best people earn more and more, but his members haven’t.

In response, a SEPTA statement read in part: “We have implemented a number of cost-cutting measures over the past six months for executives and managers, such as limiting non-essential travel and freezing new hires. We expect to save $16. million this year as a result of these steps, and we are looking for additional ways to save.”

Negotiations are expected to continue next week.