PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A national spokesman for the Philadelphia transit system's largest union says reports of a tentative agreement were ``premature'' and the negotiations aimed at ending a five-day strike continue.

Transport Workers Union Local 234 spokesman Jamie Horwitz says progress is being made and a counteroffer is being made to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority through U.S. Rep. Robert Brady, D-Pa.

Horwitz declined comment on Gov. Ed Rendell's announcement Friday night that the two sides had reached agreement on a tentative pact. SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney says Horwitz's statements are ``brand-new to us.''

The union walked out early Tuesday in a dispute largely centered on pension benefits, idling city subways, trolleys and buses.

11/07/09 14:51 © 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 The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.