Contract talks enter new week for Philly transit and municipal workers

Negotiations continue between the city and two unions representing 10,000 workers

Negotiations between the city of Philadelphia and two unions representing 10,000 workers entered a new week Monday with no resolution in sight.

The Transport Workers Union Local 234 and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33 represent workers in various city departments, including SEPTA, the city's public transportation system.

The unions are seeking wage increases, better benefits, and improved working conditions

The unions are seeking wage increases, better benefits, and improved working conditions. The city has proposed a 2% wage increase in each year of a three-year contract, while the unions are seeking a 6% increase in each year.

The unions are also seeking increased pension benefits, more paid time off, and improved health insurance coverage.

The city says it is committed to reaching a fair agreement but needs to balance the needs of workers with the city's financial constraints

The city says it is committed to reaching a fair agreement but needs to balance the needs of workers with the city's financial constraints.

The city is facing a budget deficit and has been laying off workers in recent years.

The negotiations are expected to continue for several more weeks

The negotiations are expected to continue for several more weeks. If the two sides cannot reach an agreement, the unions could authorize a strike.

A strike would disrupt public transportation and other city services.