PHILADELPHIA – SEPTA’s largest union is bracing for a possible strike, with 5,300 drivers, mechanics, maintenance workers and custodians set to walk off the job unless the union and SEPTA can reach an agreement by Thursday.

Members of TWU Local 234 say safety is their most important issue. They say they want more safety improvements to make sure they get home to their families night after night, and they don’t back down.

“If we have to walk, we’ll walk,” said a transportation worker as TWU Local 234 members readied picket signs ahead of a strike deadline just three days away.

These workers say their job safety is non-negotiable and are demanding SEPTA step up.

“It’s hard to get to this job and feel safe when I’m out every day with the public — it’s very hard,” said SEPTA bus driver Bob Gillespie.

“I’ve been here for 20 years and I’ve seen a lot of things. I lost a brother last year. It’s important to get out here; tell him security will get us out. We’ll go,” added Malikah, a cashier at the Metro 20 years.

Malikah and her colleagues are calling for specific safety improvements.

“For the bulletproof glasses, the officers on the buses that patrol the system,” she explained. “Make sure they hold people accountable, you can’t hurt us and think it’s okay.”

The union says SEPTA offered them a one-year contract with no pay raise.

A SEPTA spokesperson told FOX 29 the agency remains engaged in good faith negotiations. However, there are challenges.

“On top of these negotiations — and SEPTA in general — is the fiscal crisis that threatens our ability to provide affordable and reliable public transportation throughout the city and region. We have worked closely with lawmakers and Governor Shapiro on this critical issue; however, there is currently no solution in sight. This has a significant impact on our efforts in these negotiations. the spokesman said.

At TWU Local 234 headquarters, a clear message is displayed: “Stalling on better safety and security equals strike SEPTA.”

Workers say a strike is not the goal – they remain hopeful a deal can be reached.

“We don’t want to go out, but we have to get up, you know? We have to stand up for what we believe in,” Gillespie said.

Negotiations have been ongoing for the past few months. The strike deadline is midnight on Thursday.