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Philadelphia commuter rail workers go on strike

Geoff Mulvihill Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA – Four hundred workers at a Philadelphia-area regional rail system went on strike today, shutting down 13 train lines that carry commuters to the suburbs and Philadelphia International Airport.

The strike began after negotiations between the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and two unions failed to reach a new contract deal.

Subways, trolleys and buses operated by SEPTA will continue to run.

The transit agency said its offer to keep a previously announced wage increase in effect during an extended two-week cooling off period was rejected by the unions.

“Asking for extension in time without any movement toward closure is really pointless. It would be an extension for the sake of extension,” said Stephen Bruno, vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

Bruno said there were no discussions in Friday’s negotiations regarding “the actual issues in dispute.” He said they are seeking raises of at least 14.5 percent over five years – or about 3 percentage points more than SEPTA has offered.

The last regional rail strike, in 1983, lasted more than three months.

Workers, employers and travelers in the Philadelphia area were making contingency plans to deal with the rail strike that could add to the region’s summer transportation woes if it continues into the workweek.

The strike will affect hospital, airport and retail workers, although the full effect would not be felt until Monday’s rush hour.

Philadelphia International Airport was trying to help employees and travelers make contingency plans, including bus options and carpools.

“We can’t foresee who needs what assistance, but we certainly have reached out to people,” spokeswoman Victoria Lupica said.

The labor conflict came to a head this week after SEPTA announced it would impose a deal beginning Sunday. Terms include raising electrical workers’ pay immediately by an average of about $3 per hour; the top wage rate for locomotive engineers would rise by $2.64 per hour.