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Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday -- Finally, SEPTA Strike Over

It's official. SEPTA is heading back to work.

But the strike didn't stop Eagles fans from getting to the game yesterday.

John  Baer explains why the upcoming governor's race will be a "political twighlight zone."

Three killed in weekend violence.

A former managing director questions how Mayor Nutter is doing in an op-ed.

Posted by Catherine Lucey @ 7:15 AM  Permalink | 1 comment
Comments   
Posted 09:11 AM, 11/09/2009
chrissmith
This is a pro-management contract that is being signed. (1) The pay freeze in the first year is crucial. I'm surprised that the union agreed to it. By having a pay freeze, there is no compounding for future years. For example, in year 2, the 2.5% increase is coming off a salary that will have been TWO AND A HALF years old (last year of prior contract, plus 1/2 year no-contract, plus 1 year of pay freeze in new contract). A true pay freeze is the "gift that keeps on giving" for management, due to this compounding factor. (2) But what about the $1250 initial payment? It doesn't cost SEPTA anything. They made this $1250 per person in saved labor costs over the past week. And it is much, much more preferable to having a real pay increase, due to compounding. (3) Pension contributions will go up from 2% to 3%. (4) The wage increases in years 2, 3, 4, and 5 are from 2.5 to 3 percent. This barely covers inflation. These are not "real" increases in wages. All in all, a great contract for management.
1 comments
About Chris Brennan and Catherine Lucey
PhillyClout
Chris Brennan, a native Philadelphian and graduate of Temple University, joined the Daily News in 1999. He has written about SEPTA, the Philadelphia School District, the legalization of casino gambling, state government, the mayor, the governor, City Council and political campaigns.

Catherine Lucey joined the Daily News in 2002. Since then she has written about murderous drug gangs, political protesters and Harry Potter. For the past two years, she covered the 2007 mayoral election. Now that the battle is over, she has moved down to the City Hall bureau where she will report on the Nutter administration.

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Catherine Lucey
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