On December 18, the SEPTA board approved new contracts with three of its largest workers unions, following member ratifications that averted a potential service interruption. The agreements, which span two years, secure wage increases, benefits, and safety provisions for about 5,000 employees. Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. praised the negotiating team for good‑faith discussions and reaching agreements that averted a service interruption for customers.
Transport Workers Union Local 234
The Transport Workers Union Local 234, representing about 5,000 SEPTA employees, voted “yes” on December 17 to ratify a two‑year contract. The deal includes wage increases, a temporary pension enhancement for members who retire during the term, and maintenance of healthcare and other benefits. A new program to improve absence management is also part of the agreement.
The contract also raises the pay differential for night shifts, a move that SEPTA says will help provide adequate staffing while working to improve service. The union’s vote was part of a broader effort to secure fair compensation and working conditions for transit workers across the agency.
The contract’s wage increases provide a structured raise schedule over the two‑year term. The temporary pension enhancement applies only to members who retire while the contract is in effect. Healthcare benefits are preserved at current levels. The new absence management program is intended to support employees and reduce absenteeism. The increased pay differential for night shifts is part of SEPTA’s strategy to ensure adequate staffing during overnight hours.
The two‑year duration of the contract ensures that employees will receive consistent wage increases and benefits without interruption.
SMART‑TD Local 1594
SMART‑TD Local 1594 reached a two‑year agreement with SEPTA on December 11. The contract reportedly covers safety, pay increases, benefits, work rules, and other items. Officials with the union say that the deal also includes a promise that SMART members will not be replaced by automated vehicles.
The agreement includes safety provisions intended to protect workers during transit operations. Pay increases in the contract are designed to match industry standards. Benefits remain consistent with previous agreements. Work rules clarify responsibilities and expectations for employees. The promise that members will not be replaced by automated vehicles addresses concerns about future automation.
The agreement also includes a promise that members of SMART will not be replaced by automated vehicles, addressing concerns about automation.
The two‑year duration of the contract ensures that employees will receive consistent wage increases and benefits without interruption.
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen represents engineers who work with Regional Rail. The contract was approved by the board on December 18. The agreement details were not disclosed in the article, but the union’s approval indicates continued collaboration between SEPTA and its rail engineers.
The approval of the Brotherhood contract aligns with SEPTA’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with its rail engineers.
Board Chair Statement
Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. said the negotiations were never easy and that the uncertainty surrounding SEPTA’s future added to the difficulty. He thanked the negotiating team and union leadership for engaging in good‑faith discussions and reaching agreements that averted a service interruption for customers.
“I want to thank the SEPTA negotiating team and union leadership for engaging in good‑faith discussionsand reaching these agreements that averted a service interruption for our customers,” added, “These negotiations are never easy, and the uncertainty surrounding SEPTA’s future only added to the level of difficulty.”
Lawrence Jr. highlighted the difficulty of negotiations and the uncertainty surrounding SEPTA’s future, acknowledging the challenges faced by the agency.
Key Takeaways
- New two‑year contracts approved by SEPTA board for three major unions.
- Agreements secure wage increases, benefits, and safety provisions for about 5,000 employees.
- Contracts include provisions against automation replacement for SMART members and a temporary pension boost for TWU retirees.
The agreements collectively reinforce SEPTA’s commitment to worker stability and service continuity, ensuring reliable transit operations for the Philadelphia region.
The ratification of these contracts averted a potential service interruption, ensuring that SEPTA’s transit services would continue uninterrupted for commuters across the region.
The agreements were ratified by union members in December 2023, following a period of uncertainty about SEPTA’s future.
The two‑year duration of the contracts aligns with SEPTA’s budgeting and staffing cycles, providing a predictable framework for workforce planning.
The inclusion of a temporary pension enhancement in the TWU contract addresses retirement benefits for employees who retire during the contract period.
The promise that SMART members will not be replaced by automated vehicles reflects SEPTA’s commitment to protecting its workforce amid technological changes.
The Brotherhood contract’s approval underscores SEPTA’s collaboration with regional rail engineers, ensuring safe and efficient train operations.
Collectively, these agreements provide a stable foundation for SEPTA’s workforce, ensuring that employees receive fair compensation, benefits, and job security while the agency continues to deliver reliable transit services to the public.
The agreements also demonstrate SEPTA’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with its employees, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits both workers and riders.
These contracts, approved by the board and ratified by the unions, set a precedent for future labor negotiations within the transit sector.
The agreements underscore SEPTA’s commitment to its workforce and the public.
