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Friday, November 6, 2009
State Rep. Calls For Binding Arbitration to Resolve SEPTA Contract

We just got this release from state Rep. Brendan Boyle:

Boyle introducing resolution calling for binding arbitration in SEPTA strike

 PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 6 -- State Rep. Brendan F. Boyle, D-Phila./Montgomery is introducing a House resolution calling on both sides in the ongoing SEPTA strike to agree to binding arbitration to resolve the impasse.

“After eight months without a contract, and four days of a strike with no end in sight, it is clear that binding arbitration is needed,” said Boyle. “In this specific context, binding arbitration is a reasonable way to obtain a contract that treats both parties fairly and gets SEPTA back up and running.”

Boyle added, “Currently, with no resolution to this impasse, all sides are losing and will continue to suffer. SEPTA riders have no way to get to work, which hurts them and the local economy of the Philadelphia region. SEPTA workers are out of work and going without pay. Those who drive and don’t use SEPTA are also losing because they are now forced to endure crippling traffic, with the dramatic increase of vehicles on the street.”

Boyle's resolution will be introduced in the House on Monday, and the lawmaker said members could vote on it early in the week.

More than 5,000 members of the Transport Workers Union Local 234 began striking on Nov. 3 after leaders rejected a contract proposal from SEPTA for the next several years. The union has worked without a contract for eight months.

Posted by Catherine Lucey @ 2:03 PM  Permalink | 28 comments
Comments   
Posted 03:44 PM, 11/06/2009
CleanupPhilly
We're way past binding arbitration. Septa should go ahead and start at-will hiring and firing, as it is allowed to do by law once a best offer has been tendered and refused, and negotiations concluded. There's no need for binding arbitration that could result in still too expensive salaries and benefits that riders and taxpayers must pay for. AT WILL is the fairest way that respects everyone.
Posted 03:45 PM, 11/06/2009
CleanupPhilly
The state GOP needs to introduce a bill that declares Septa an at-will employer as provided for already by law, given the good faith negotiations that have been fruitless.
Posted 03:47 PM, 11/06/2009
CleanupPhilly
The state GOP having a bill that cements Septa's at-will employer status will force Rendell's hand. He'll either look weak and beholden, or he'll have to act. Likely it will prove the need for a GOP governor, and GOP candidates can call for Rendell to pass the bill.
Posted 03:52 PM, 11/06/2009
Julius May
Mayor Nutter, get a injunction so SEPTA can roll the buses again.
Posted 03:58 PM, 11/06/2009
cw613
Start firing and at will hiring now! Those jobs will be snapped up in a minute.
Posted 04:04 PM, 11/06/2009
The Detective
Instead of going to arbitration and having someone dictate the fate of SEPTA and it's union, SEPTA should cut it's ties with the union that is crippling the city. Since a great number of people are out of work that want to work, SEPTA should let it's union worker go and hiring some of those qualified individuals that want and need jobs with benefits and that will come in at the current rate. The NFL once had Replacement Players, SEPTA can now have Replacement Operators.
Comment removed.
Posted 04:09 PM, 11/06/2009
tomc
Fire them. There are so many hard-working citizens that will be happy to work and greet their customers with a smile. We need a referendum on the next ballot to not allow transit workers to strike. They are a disgrace to this city and their families. No arbitration. Fire them or get an injunction that forces them back to work.
Posted 04:27 PM, 11/06/2009
center city
please why dont you all get out there and drive a bus......and than tell me if they deserve the salary, ugh...
Posted 04:30 PM, 11/06/2009
Clark_Kent_SuperHero
Managing Director is on Vacation! She hardly works when she is here, and the school marm thing is wearing off. Corey Kemp was caught no performing good services. She is either a thief or should be laid off immediately.
Comment removed.
Posted 05:01 PM, 11/06/2009
CleanupPhilly
PA is an at-will employment state. Employers can hire and fire at will, even if there is a union, if that union won't negotiate in good faith, and management has tendered it's best offer, there is no contract, and negotiations have stopped. This is basic labor law. Why won't the papers cover this?
Posted 05:05 PM, 11/06/2009
CleanupPhilly
If Septa so chooses, and if the politicians don't object, there is no reason they can't invoke their at-will status. For more on the meaning of at-will employment, simply go to sites for the layperson like wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/At-will_employment
Posted 05:08 PM, 11/06/2009
MMillercold421
center city - why dont you drick a tractor trailer 12 hours across 5 states and tell me why does SEPTA bus drivers deserve their salaries compared to truck drivers who are mostly self-eployed. Bus drivers have it easy compared to for-profit drivers of other forms of transportation.
Posted 05:08 PM, 11/06/2009
CleanupPhilly
The Democrats and the Ink/DN are trying to give the impression that the TWU is all powerful and that the only option is to accede to their demands, no matter how costly or unreasonable, or illegal. That is not supported by federal and state law. The papers simply won't cover it, since they that might give management ideas. But the Democrat with the fortitude, the spine, to end this mess by simply letting Septa be an at-will employer again, that speaks up for the most vulnerable, the riders, the taxpayers, will be golden for life. He could murder someone and still get elected.
28 comments | View All Comments | View All By Latest
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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