PHILADELPHIA — A potential strike against the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has been put on hold by the Transit Workers Union, Local 234, after the two sides reported progress at the bargaining table ahead of a Thursday/Friday strike deadline at midnight.

“We are willing to go the extra mile and take the extra time to reach a fair agreement,” said Local 234 President Pollitt. in a statement on the union’s website. “However, let me be clear: If SEPTA managers fail to meet our demands, we will be on the picket line.”

The union, which represents more than 5,000 subway, bus and trolley operators, as well as mechanics and other workers, voted to strike on October 27 (see “The Transit Workers’ Union authorizes the strike…”, trains News Wire, 28 October 2024). The union is working under a one-year agreement reached just before last year’s strike deadline.

A SEPTA spokesman said the agency remains committed to “reaching an agreement that is fair to our hardworking employees and to the customers and taxpayers who fund SEPTA.”

Meanwhile, suburban SEPTA workers also voted to authorize a strike, WPVI-TV reports. International Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Association – Transportation Division (SMART-TD) Local 1594 represents more than 350 bus, trolley and train operators. Local general manager Anthony Petty said station safety is a top concern.

“The operators have spoken out and said they’re tired of being attacked,” Petty said. “They just want to go home the same way they come to work.”

Local Contract 1594 expires on November 18.