SEPTA Strike, Day 4: Hopes fading for settlement

Hopes for an end today to a transit strike receded as union leaders reviewed a revised contract offer from SEPTA.

Leaders of the Transport Workers Union Local 234 did not immediately respond to the latest offer, and the lack of movement was seen as an indication that a settlement would not be reached in time to get city buses, subways and trolleys running in time for this afternoon's rush hour.

Gov. Rendell and U.S. Rep. Bob Brady met with leaders of the Transport Workers Union Local 234 last night. Rendell and Brady emerged cautiously optimistic, though they had sounded similar notes last Saturday before the union went on strike.

The 5,100 bus drivers, subway and trolley operators and mechanics went on strike at 3 a.m. Tuesday. Their leaders rejected a contract that included a $1,250 bonus upon ratification, a 2.5 percent raise the second year, and a 3 percent raise in each of the final three years.

It also called for no increase in the workers' health-insurance contributions, which are 1 percent of base pay. It called for a graduated increase in workers' contributions to their pensions, from 2 percent to 3.5 percent, and an increase in the maximum pension payment to retirees, from $27,000 a year to $30,000 a year.

In addition to increased pension contributions from SEPTA, the union was seeking a 3 percent raise for each year of a four-year contract.

Pensions have emerged as a key sticking point. Union President Willie Brown said Wednesday that the strikers would "stay out as long as it takes to secure our pension."

The union also wants more control over "job picking" rights.

Since the strike began, riders have turned to their cars and the still operating Regional Rail system, jamming roadways and packing already crowded commuter trains.

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia also reports that a count conducted at the Walnut and Chestnut Street Bridges on Wednesday indicated that the strike had prompted a 38 percent spike in bicycle ridership.

The strikebound operations handled more than 900,000 fares daily.