SEPTA workers strike for morning rush hour

[Blue_Tires]

Source: philly.com

SEPTA's largest union went on strike early this morning - crippling a transit system that averages more than 928,000 trips every weekday in the city.

The strike came after hours of negotiation yesterday that ended when, according to Willie Brown, president of Transport Workers Union Local 234, both sides agreed that they had gone as far as they could go.

The strike, Brown said early this morning, would begin at 3 a.m., threatening to cripple this morning's rush hour.

Gov. Rendell, who along with Mayor Nutter addressed reporters in the lobby of the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue, where negotiations had been under way since 10 a.m. yesterday, called the decision to strike before dawn "irresponsible."

Rendell said the union action would cause chaos with morning transit riders who would not know what is happening until after they wake up.

"This is an outrageous action," Nutter said.

All bus, subway, and trolley service in the city, as well as the Frontier Division buses in Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester Counties, would be stilled by a strike.

Regional Rail service would not be interrupted because those crews are covered by separate contracts. Also continuing to run during a strike would be Victory Division buses in Delaware County, most operating out of the 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby; Route 101 and 102 trolley lines and the Norristown High Speed Line; "LUCY" buses in West Philadelphia between 30th Street Station and University City destinations; and Paratransit service.



Read more: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/home_top_stories/20091103_SEPTA_workers_strike_for_morning_rush_hour.html

[WriteDown]

1. Yikes....

Glad I am not in Philly.

[amandabeech]

2. At least they held off until after the game. n/t

[Freddie Stubbs]

3. I wonder if it will affect voter turn-out

[BumRushDaShow]

5. Most of the city polling divisions

are within walking distance.

The local election here was going to have a hugely low turnout anyway, being off-year, and without a Presidential, Congressional, Mayoral/City Council, or Gubernatorial race. Outside of city D.A. & City Controller, most of the ballot is for judges (for election or retention). Sad that many don't realize how judges are critical!

[Freddie Stubbs]

7. But people who now have to make alternative arrangements to get to work may not get home in time to

vote.

There is one State Supreme Court seat up and several Superior Court and Commonwealth Court seats up.

[Barack_America]

11. This will spill out into the suburbs too.

As the regional rails are the only transport running in the city and are running way over capacity. These are also the primary transportation sources for suburban commuters, so they'll be arriving home quite late too.

[Freddie Stubbs]

14. And that may affect county row offices, county judges, district justices, school board, and

municipal races.

[BumRushDaShow]

4. The public schools are closed for a service day today

Look out when they have to go back tomorrow with no transportation but a car! (been there done that too many times over the past 4 decades).

[damntexdem]

6. Woohoo, just before I go there for a large scientific convention.

Luckily, I'm staying in a hostel near the Convention Center, so can walk; and the Meetings have their own shuttles (assuming they're not operated by SEPTA).

[Barack_America]

13. You'll be fine. The regional rail which runs for the airport is a different union.

So you'll be able to get to your hostel cheaply and quickly.

As for sightseeing, I think you'll find the city quite walkable.

All in all, the strike should have little effect on your visit.

[CreekDog]

8. Winning move right there

:eyes:

[Laelth]

9. k&r for labor. n/t

:dem:

-Laelth

[Union Yes]

10. Solidarity! knr

[Barack_America]

12. Striking on election day in the state's Dem powerhouse?

Um, no. Not bright at all.

[FarCenter]

15. Transit union strikes are a main reason people use cars instead of mass transit