SEPTA, Suburban Union Contract Negotiations Hit Impasse, Strike Could Be Coming

Tensions Rise Between Transit Authority and Union, Service Disruptions Possible

Riders Urged to Prepare; No Agreement in Sight

SEPTA and the Suburban Union Division of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1556 are in a stalemate over the terms of a new contract, with the current agreement set to expire at the stroke of midnight on March 15.

Negotiations have been ongoing for several months, but the two sides remain far apart on key issues such as wages, benefits, and work rules. SEPTA is offering a package that includes a 2% wage increase in each of the next three years, while the union is seeking a 4% increase.

If the two sides cannot reach an agreement by the deadline, a strike could begin as early as March 16. Such an action would cripple SEPTA's commuter rail system, which serves over 100,000 riders per day. The strike would also impact SEPTA's bus and trolley routes, as many of the operators are members of the union.

SEPTA officials are urging riders to make alternate transportation plans in the event of a strike. The authority is also offering a 30-day pass for $75 to commuters who purchase it before March 15.

The Suburban Union Division represents over 500 SEPTA employees, including engineers, conductors, and maintenance workers. The union has not gone on strike since 1983.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.