Three large unions in greater Philadelphia are all threatening to strike at the same time in a move that could “shut the region down,” according to one union boss.
Unions representing SEPTA operators in both the city and suburbs are currently negotiating new contracts , as is the union representing more than 9,000 municipal workers. All three unions have voted to authorize strikes if talks break down.
The presidents of the three unions met for breakfast Tuesday morning in Northern Liberties at Spring Garden Restaurant.
The potential stoppages could affect more than 700,000 daily transit riders and services in the city of Philadelphia, including sanitation.
“We’re going to try to avoid a stoppage, but if we have to draw a line in the sand, we’re going to draw a line in the sand,” said Brian Pollitt, the president of TWU Local 234. “If we all go out, we’re gonna shut the region down.”
TWU Local 234 represents more than 4,500 SEPTA workers, operating buses, subway lines and trolleys in the city working on an expired contract. As in-person negotiations paused Tuesday, the union president met with leaders from SMART Local 1594, representing SEPTA workers in the suburbs.