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Surely if half the Septa profits weren't being poured into pockets these people could be paid a little extra. But it is, so they can't, and it is the citizens losing in this situation. The money is certainly not going towards any noticable improvements, so where is it going?
Septa. If I want to figure out how to get from point a to point b, septa makes it nearly impossible. Their website has no feature to do this for commuters. If you don't have intimate knowledge of the bus roots, it's completely mind boggling, time wasting, and infuriating. Plus I think we can all agree that it is one of the most DISGUSTING urine and grime covered subway system of the major cities. If we are trying to promote tourism and improve this city's deservedly horrible reputation, shouldn't we start with improving the FIRST impressions? Public relations campaigns are simply a bait and switch to tourists if the city is still gross as ever. Our airport is dirty, with exposed concrete and beams everywhere, staffed with rude ineffectual (and occasionally SLEEPING) employees, and then to take our public transit when you get here... Nail is in the coffin before we even have a chance. Business people and visitors in this town don't take the subway. Because 1, they probably can't figure it out. 2, the stench and hot rancid air hit you before you even hit the first step. 3, when school lets out It's like a zoo, and there is not adequate security. We must Septa must be held responsible for these things if they are receiving funding from our city! I live in a depressed area at 31st and girard and seemingly all of us take public transit. Since the strike, the unnecessary stress and possible damage done financially and job security wise is really palpable here right now. Open letter to Mayor Nutter: Please get in touch with your people and help us. We are drowning in a government full of corruption, taking all the power from the people. Making it impossible to fight back. We need help.
The union should've giving a deadline for the strike, instead of the 3 a.m. terrorist-strike! They hurt the "working people"! They can walk until "hell freezes over" with their narcisstic leader who hasn't met a camera he doesn't like!!
Marie V. Owens: Do your homework. SEPTA stands for South East Pennsylvania Transportation Association. Blame Rendell or Brady for this one. Did not you notice the very, very greedy union boss condemning our Mayor Mike? That's because Nutter is the only one of these players with any integrity, or guts.
The union's actions are deplorable, and the folks that are suffering the most are middle-to-low income working class citizens who depend on transit service and have few other options. The TWU is clearing trying to raise themselves up by stepping on the backs of the others around them. The public knows that an incredibly sweet deal was floated out to them during a horrible economic period, and they thumbed their nose at it. Folks in other Phila unions should be angry because it makes all unions look really bad. It is clear the TWU doesn't give a rat's behind about other hard working citizens of Philly. They could have given 12 hours notice of the walk-out, and it would have not have hurt their negotiating position. The 3am surprise thing only hurt the public. Willie Brown is bragging how he doesn't care that he is the most hated person in Phila right now. Eighty years ago, unions fought for admirable things like child labor restrictions and coal miner safety. If early union founders saw what the TWU is doing to other Phila workers, just to sweeten their own deal, they would roll over in their grave.
Wrong Johnny O. It's Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. Also Johnny you believe Nutter is so great then why are all the top money people trying to push Rendell to run against him in the next mayoral election. Ever since John Street took over the Mayors office the city of Philadelphia has been in a downward spiral. Since his time in office what has Nutter done to improve life in Philly? You all talk about the workers at SEPTA being greedy. They weren't at the bargaining table. They just here what the union tells them. They don't want to be on strike as much as you don't want them to go on strike. If you polled the SEPTA workers and asked them if they would like to see binding arbitration most would say yes. These TWU 234 members have homes and families to take care of as well as you do. This is not a situation they like being in every time their contract comes up. I know this because I was a SEPTA bus driver for 16 years until I became disabled and SEPTA left me out in the wind along with TWU 234. You want someone to blame it's SEPTA and the Leadership of TWU 234. Ever since Harry Lombardo left the union it's been going down like the titanic.
The septa strike effects everyone, not just the riders. The mayor, septa management, the union and all other parties need to get together and solve this crisis. If 11% is not enough, then what is enough? The union can't have everything, and for the good of the regiona septa need to operate.
SEPTA sucks and so do the idiot people who work there.Give me the keys to a bus i will drive it until the wheels fall off!!
Well Johnny o, Marie hasn't really hasn't thought through this very well. She says she wishes that everyone would stay away from SEPTA for a couple days when the workers return from the strike. Yeah, like that would really show 'em. She obviously doesn't realize that staying away would only reward the drivers by making their life a whole lot easier. It is not like the drivers get a percentage of the fare box. I chuckle at the folks that say we should boycott SEPTA because they are mad at the union. Makes absolutely no sense. It would make better sense if, when the drivers return, EVERYBODY rides SEPTA and goes out of their way to torment the drivers.
it's southeastern transportation AUTHORITY! that's part of the problem here all you people who call us greedy scum, low lifes,etc...cant get your facts straight! everyone of you who say fire them all anybody can do their job dont know that i'm a skilled worker and unless you have experience at what i do; not just anybody can do my job.thats why we are fighting to stop subletting our work out because when the work comes back we have to redo the work! usually because it is not done correctly and in most cases it's not safe! so no,not just anybody can replace us!and most people who possibly could; cant pass random drug testing,dont have drivers license,no high school diploma, etc...or they would be working with us.WE ARE NOT ALL BUMS we are mothers and fathers just like you! and if you ALL were in the same situation you would be doing the same thing! not that i totally agree with the union but i gotta to do what i gotta do! septa needs to get slapped back to the real world because they have god complex! people dont know that they policed themselves and dont have to answer to anyboby!
vbos555, PLEASE SPARE US!!! Skilled worker? Yeah right...it doesn't take rocket science to drive a bus or train. You people are leaches. A great deal was offered and turned down. Be thankful you have a job where you're paid so much and it doesn't require that much skill. The drivers are ghetto and unprofessional and not to mention RUDE. I say get rid of all you BUMS and overhaul the entire system! So if you're looking for sympathy here...leave now because you've come to the wrong place!!!
SEPTA = Surly Egotistical Pains in The A**.
Before folks read my last comment and misinterpret what I am saying, let me clarify. I am NOT advocating tormenting the drivers, and certainly not while they are actively driving or in a way that would create safety issues. I only meant to indicate that a boycott rewards them for the strike, and if anything I would find it more understandable if the public found other ways to let drivers know how they feel.
The fact that the majority of the children take the buses to school should be enough for an injunction.
SEPTA has just run out of other people's money. 50 k to push a bus around a city and they want 11.5 % rise? Skilled workers? Safe and secure rides? It goes on and on. Vote straight Democratic and stay as foolish as always.
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