**SEPTA Workers Authorize Strike Amid Safety and Financial Concerns**

In a critical development, members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 unanimously voted on Sunday to permit their leaders to call a strike against SEPTA, the region's primary transit agency. This authorization vote comes amidst stalled contract negotiations and mounting safety concerns, just weeks before the existing contract is set to expire.

Held at the Sheet Metal Workers union hall in South Philadelphia, the strike authorization reflects the union's serious concerns over safety and security for both its members and the riding public. "We're looking for safety and security, for our membership and the riding public, and economic justice," said TWU Local 234 President Brian Pollitt. "What they’re offering so far isn’t satisfactory."

The union, representing approximately 5,000 bus, subway, and trolley operators, mechanics, cashiers, maintenance workers, and custodians primarily in the city, emphasized that a strike authorization does not mean an immediate walkout. The current one-year contract, which expires at 11:59 p.m. on November 7 – just two days post-Election Day – has left the union negotiating from a position of increased leverage.

As frustration grows among union members with SEPTA management, approximately 183 maintenance workers and 206 bus operators in the suburbs are also closely monitoring the situation. Their contracts are due to expire later in November. The vote takes place against a backdrop of SEPTA's significant fiscal challenges, with looming service cuts and another fare increase likely. This financial strain is exacerbated by the sudden departure of CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards, announced without explanation.

Union bulletins indicate that SEPTA proposed a one-year contract with no raises, despite rising living costs. SEPTA officials argue the agency's severe funding crisis, declining ridership, and exhaustion of pandemic-related aid have created an untenable financial situation. According to agency spokesperson Andrew Busch, SEPTA is contending with an operating budget deficit nearing a quarter billion dollars annually, with no immediate solution in sight despite ongoing efforts with state leaders.

Safety remains a paramount issue for the union, amplified by increasing incidents of violence against transit operators. The recent violent death of veteran Route 23 bus operator Bernard N. Gribben, shot by a passenger, underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures. Despite an overall reduction in crime across the transit system, drivers continue to face violent assaults, contributing to a pervasive sense of insecurity.

Both TWU leadership and SEPTA remain committed to continuing their discussions, potentially engaging in round-the-clock negotiations to avert a strike. Pollitt made it clear that without an agreement by midnight on November 7, union members would not report to work, disrupting SEPTA's transit services.

"My thing is safety, security and, of course, money," said TWU member and SEPTA trolley operator Marquise Brown. "But we need more cops on the beat. Not just down in the tunnels. We need them with us in the buses and trolleys because people are crazy."

With both sides expressing a willingness to find a resolution, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether an agreement can be reached to prevent a significant disruption in transit services for the city.