TWU Local 234 Announces Intent to Continue Contract Negotiations Beyond Strike Deadline

[billyoc]

PHILADELPHIA, March 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Union representing 4,700 workers at SEPTA today announced that it expected to continue negotiating for a new contract even if the talks go past the 12:00 midnight strike deadline on Saturday March 14, 2009.

Willie Brown, the President of Transport Workers Union Local 234, noted that there were substantive issues yet to be resolved but that the Union was "very concerned about the needs of the riding public" and that they fully intended to keep negotiating until they reached an agreement with SEPTA.

"We understand that the riding public depends on our Local 234 members getting them to and from work," said Brown. "We are very concerned about the needs of the riding public just as we are very concerned about the need to reach a fair contract settlement for our Union's membership. That is why we are determined to keep negotiating until we reach an agreement and we don't necessarily view midnight on Saturday as a strike deadline."

Brown noted that the union and SEPTA were still far apart on key issues, including subcontracting out of union jobs, maintenance picking rights, dignity on the job, better wages, and pensions that allow Local 234 members to retire with dignity and financial security. In addition, the union is bargaining for better service and security for SEPTA riders.

http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-11-2009/0004987071&EDATE=