SEPTA approves 3 new contracts with workers unions
SEPTA has approved new contracts with its workers unions after members voted to ratify each agreement.
The SEPTA board approved the contracts between the Transport Workers Union Local 234, SMART-TD Local 1594 and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen unions on Dec. 18.
“I want to thank the SEPTA negotiating team and union leadership for engaging in good-faith discussions
and reaching these agreements that averted a service interruption for our customers,” SEPTA Board
Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr said in a statement. “These negotiations are never easy, and the uncertainty surrounding SEPTA’s future only added to the level of difficulty.”
Transport Workers Union Local 234 agreement
On Dec. 17, SEPTA’s largest workers union, Transport Workers Union Local 234, which represents about 5,000 SEPTA employees, voted “yes” to ratify their new contract with the transit agency.
This new contract lasts two years and includes wage increases as well as a temporary pension enhancement for TWU members who retire during the term of the contract. The contract also maintains healthcare and other benefits while adding a program designed to improve absence management.
Additionally, the deal increases the pay differential for night shifts, which SEPTA says will help them provide adequate staffing while working to improve service.
SMART-TD Local 1594 agreement
A second union, SMART-TD Local 1594, reached an agreement with SEPTA on Dec. 11 which will last for two years, officials said.
Their new agreement reportedly includes safety, pay increases, benefits and work rules among other items.
Officials with the union say that this agreement also includes a promise that members of SMART will not be replaced by automated vehicles.
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen agreement
SEPTA’s board also approved a new contract with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen on Dec. 18.
BLET is the union that represents the engineers who work with Regional Rail.
