SEPTA, transit workers to resume talks today for new contract

SEPTA and Local 234 of the Transport Workers Union planned to resume negotiations today on a contract for 4,700 operators, mechanics, maintenance and building-trade workers on the subways, buses and trolleys in the city transit division.

Both sides - bargaining at the Holiday Inn, on 4th Street near Arch - said they wanted to avert a strike during the World Series. Games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary) are to be played on successive days starting on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park.

Negotiators last met on Friday for the first time since March 15, when the TWU contract expired.

About 810,000 customers ride SEPTA each year, with most making two trips per weekday, and more than half transfering from one route to another, according to SEPTA.

On the table are the "meat and potato issues" of wages, health care and pensions, said Richard Maloney, SEPTA spokesman.

Willie Brown, president of the TWU Local 234, said his committee was ready to negotiate.

Last night, both sides moved into the hotel in Old City where they were setting up their computer systems to be able to flesh out proposals.

Union leaders advised members to be ready in the event of a potential work stoppage and to pick up strike signs at 7 p.m. tonight at union headquarters at 500 N. 2nd St.

The last SEPTA strike in the City and Victory (formerly Red Arrow) Divisions was in 2005 and lasted seven days.