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Transit workers call for early talks

SEPTA's largest labor union has called for early negotiations to reduce the prospects for a transit strike next year.

SEPTA's largest labor union has called for early negotiations to reduce the prospects for a transit strike next year.

Transport Workers Local 234, which represents 5,100 bus drivers, subway and trolley operators and mechanics, sent a letter to SEPTA management requesting an exchange of contract proposals by June and face-to-face bargaining by August.

The TWU's current contract expires March 14, 2014. The union went on strike in Nov., 2009, shutting down bus, subway and trolley service for six days.

TWU local president John Johnson Jr. wrote that early talks "may . . . help the parties avoid any unnecessary disruption to the transit system."

SEPTA spokeswoman Jerria Williams said SEPTA "will discuss with them their proposal to begin contract negotiations early."