TWU: We want binding arbitration | Philly

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Friday, November 6, 2009

TWU: We want binding arbitration

Some late-breaking news on the SEPTA strike.

Union President Willie Brown just announced that the strike would end if SEPTA submitted to a binding arbitration process.

We’ve written about the pros and cons of binding arbitration before, but basically, the two sides would submit their competing proposals to a panel of arbiters who would decide on a contract.

Councilmen Bill Green and Curtis Jones threw their support behind the idea. Green told the Inquirer, “we're trying to come up with ways to get this resolved and let people get to and from work."

In a Radio Times interview this morning, Gov. Rendell said that SEPTA had agreed to certain measures that wouldn’t cost a lot of money — such as agreeing to cover cost increases in a dental plan — but was unwilling to put down any more serious cash.

No word yet on SEPTA’s response.

Posted by Anthony Campisi @ 6:35 PM Permalink | 1 comment

Comments

Posted 08:06 PM, 11/06/2009

dreinterests

it's winner take all binding arbitration...so SEPTA could get stuck with their proposal (whatever it is) rather than some middle ground. It all comes down to what they proposed which no one has made public yet. SEPTA has no money and can't take risks with their funding in jeapardy again. I think it's an attempt to save face on the union and put the onus back on management but we'll see. Wonder if they still want viagra covered. I think Willie Brown is bluffing about a long strike, with unemployment at what 11% I don't see SEPTA workers foregoing paychecks for months. I think he'll be ousted instead. SEPTA's offer was actually reasonable. they should NOT reward this strike happy union.

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