No deal yet between SEPTA and union, but talks will continue

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- SEPTA and its union workers, represented by Transit Workers Union Local 234, continued talks on Monday with the hope of preventing a strike.

Negotiations wrapped up by approximately 3:30 p.m. A deal has still not been reached, officials say.

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Union leaders say while some progress was made on security concerns, there has been no movement on wages.

A union spokesperson told Action News that wages are a sticking point and an increase must be part of the new contract.

Right now, however, SEPTA is reportedly not offering any increases.

Last week, the union said that if SEPTA fails to meet its demands, members "will be on the picket line by the end of the month."

That's about 4,500 people who could go on strike.

Bus, trolley, and transit operators in the city are currently working without a contract. The last contract expired at midnight on Thursday, but union workers held off on a strike as both sides decided to continue negotiations.

SEPTA and union leaders are set to resume negotiations on Tuesday at 2 p.m.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the union representing suburban transit workers formally voted to authorize a work stoppage.

That union is also expected to meet with SEPTA officials on Tuesday. Their contract expires on November 18.

SEPTA is not the only agency facing strikes around the city. AFSCME District Council 33, Philadelphia's largest union for city employees, is voting on whether to authorize a strike.

That union has been operating without a contract since the summer. Voting is set to end on November 13.

Action News was told that union leaders are in contact with one another, and a simultaneous strike may be possible.