Philly transit police move closer to strike
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - June 8, 2008 The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority rejected
the police union's request for binding arbitration in a
long-running contract dispute.
Now, the police say a strike is possible in a week to 10 days.
They held an emergency meeting on Saturday.
About 200 police officers who patrol the Broad Street and
Market-Frankford lines want the same pay as officers in the
Philadelphia Police Department. Those officers start at about
$39,000 a year, compared to $30,752 for a SEPTA officer.
The officers' last contract expired nearly three years ago and
was extended a year. If there is a strike, SEPTA says it will rely
on private security guards and Philadelphia police.
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Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer,
http://www.philly.com