Layoffs, frustrated public among concerns for union president ahead of SEPTA cuts
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The president of TWU Local 234, SEPTA's largest workers union, is bracing for the impact of upcoming service cuts set to begin August 24.
Brian Pollitt, who represents approximately 5,000 bus, trolley, and train operators, platform cleaners, and more, says he's especially concerned that frontline workers will bear the brunt of public frustration.
MORE | Get the latest on the SEPTA commuter crisis here.
"When this thing reaches hysteria and the riding public starts missing buses or being passed by because a bus is too crowded, they're not going to call the GM. They're not going to call SEPTA customer service. They're going to deal with the operator in that seat," Pollitt said.
Pollitt said he plans to reach out to both the Philadelphia and SEPTA Transit Police chiefs in the coming days.
MORE | SEPTA urges riders to start planning now for upcoming service cuts that begin on Aug. 24
"What I'm going to do is send a letter to Chief Bethel and the Chief of Transit Police and ask them, on the 24th, that they man our lines. It's going to be a frustrating time, and I'm worried that the backlash is going to come on my operators - and I'm not going to accept that," he said.
Pollitt added that some union members are also concerned about potential layoffs. While workers with more than a year on the job are contractually protected, those with less than a year are not - a group he estimates includes more than 700 employees. However, SEPTA says there are no immediate plans for layoffs.
"As we get started, there's no immediate plans for layoffs," said SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch.
Still, the nation's sixth-largest transit agency is preparing for an expanded hiring freeze in September as it faces a $213 million budget shortfall.
"Just through regular attrition, by not hiring for most positions, we're going to lose at least 100 people a month," Busch said.
SEPTA plans to re-evaluate its financial standing and staffing needs early next year.
"As our general manager has said, there are no options we can take off the table at this time. These are worst-case scenarios getting into January 1. We're very hopeful that something's going to get done and some of these impacts that we're talking about are not going to be realized," Busch added.
On Friday, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker echoed the urgency of the situation, urging lawmakers in Harrisburg to act quickly.
"There's nothing more important right now in our city than making sure that we deliver on mass transit," Parker said. "We will continue to strongly encourage and advocate for a bipartisan agreement."
Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton also expressed hope that lawmakers could return to Harrisburg this weekend to broker a funding deal.
You can learn more about the planned cuts at SEPTA.org
