SEPTA opens contract talks with biggest union

Negotiations began Friday between SEPTA and the largest labor union representing bus drivers and other transit workers.

Officials of the transit agency and Transport Workers Union Local 234 exchanged proposals at a Center City hotel.

The TWU, which represents 5,200 bus drivers, subway and trolley operators, mechanics, and cashiers, is the largest of the 17 unions that represent SEPTA workers, and its contract typically sets the pattern for negotiations with the other unions.

The current contract expires March 14, 2014. The union went on strike for six days in 2009, after its last contract expired.

- Paul Nussbaum