Philly transit strike in 6th day; no new talks
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - No new talks are scheduled as the strike by
Philadelphia bus drivers, subway and trolley conductors and
mechanics enters its second work week following the collapse of a
proposed deal.
The largest union of Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation
Authority workers wants an independent audit of pension funds. The
union is also rejecting language that could reopen the contract if
SEPTA's costs increase due to national health care reform.
Gov. Ed Rendell had been brokering the talks until they broke
off Saturday evening. He wants union members to vote on the
contract proposal Monday. Transport Workers Local 234 president
Willie Brown says the union's constitution will not permit that.
A 2005 SEPTA strike lasted seven days, while a 1998 transit
strike lasted for 40 days.
SEPTA averages more than 928,000 trips each weekday.
11/08/09 13:33
© Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.