Union President: Strike not imminent, can't promise beyond this week

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- While SEPTA workers voted Sunday for the union to authorize a strike, officials say that one doesn't appear to be imminent.

"There will be no strike in the immediate future. I can't promise anything beyond this week," union president Willie Brown said during a Monday afternoon press conference.

The buses, trollies and subways will continue to roll this week.

Brown says he'll make a decision on a strike later this week.

But, he promises to give the riding public 24 hours' notice, unlike the last strike he called by surprise five years ago.

The two sides will be back in formal talks Tuesday and they have been talking for months.

The union says SEPTA has become entrenched in a battle of egos and is committed to union busting.

SEPTA says it will continue to bargain in good faith, but will not agree to a fiscally damaging contract.

The union says it all boils down to pension payment parity.

"We believe we have a pension plan that our members put three times as much into the pension as management. Management gets three times as much out," Brown said.

Workers say they are losing their patience and can't accept what SEPTA is currently offering.

"We waited and waited, and it's time for us to get what we're due. We've been patient and understanding. We don't want money. We want our rights and benefits intact," said SEPTA worker Joy Moore.

"I have 32 years here. I've put my heart and soul to work here, and now they're going to take it away from us. I can't do that," said another worker, Anthony Rossi.

Management told Action News it has no indication that a work stoppage is imminent. But the transit agency has prepared a service interruption plan if the situation changes.

Commuters are facing varying degrees of hardship if there is a strike, but most say they learned to cope the last time around.

"I was able to cope. I think for the most part, the city will be able to cope that way, too. You won't get to work on time and most jobs will excuse lateness because of it," Eric Scott of North Philadelphia said.

If there is a strike, Regional Rail would still be running.

SEPTA's contingency plans include increasing the number of trains like they did last time.

But commuters say regional rail became chaotic during the last strike.

"It was a zoo. It takes extra-long to get home, waiting in a long line to get on a train. SEPTA seemed to have it pretty organized, but it takes a toll on everybody," Linda Nelson of Phoenixville, Pa. said.

If the two sides fail to break the logjam this week, we may be looking at a transit strike next Monday morning.