TWU International Strongly Supports Local 234 in Contract Fight with SEPTA

TWU International President John Samuelsen pledged the International’s full support to Local 234 transit workers who may strike in their fight for a fair contract.

Samuelsenand International TUUS (Transit) Division Director Willie Brown both addressed Local 234 members Sunday before they unanimously voted to authorize a strike. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has offered an outrageously insulting contract with a zero percent raise for the coming year. (Click on bold names for video)

“If they want to keep pushing it, TWU Local 234, with the backing of the TWU International, is going to shut down the sixth biggest city in America, Philadelphia,” Samuelsen said.

“You’re going to see TWU members from coast to coast on the picket lines with you. You’re going to see Flight Attendants from California, Jet Mechanics from Dallas, Texas, and New York City Transit Workers walking these picket lines with you, and we’re going to win.”

Local 234 comprises roughly 5,000 Bus Operators, Subway Operators, Trolley Operators, Mechanics, Cashiers, Maintenance Workers, and Custodians. The current contract expires at midnight on Nov. 7.

“We’re ready to lock and load,” Local 234 President Brian Pollitt said. “My intention is to engage in around-the-clock negotiations until we find a good deal. But they want to give us a deal with a zero – and that’s a ‘no.’ If we have to take a stand, we take a stand.”

Safety is a top concern as workers are subjected to an onslaught of assaults, abuse, and threats on the job. Bus operator Bernard Gribbin was shot and killed by a rider in October of last year. SEPTA has only taken steps to improve safety for management, such as posting security guards at its headquarters, while nothing has been done for workers, Brown said. He spoke about a young transit worker who recently told him he is constantly on alert for a possible attack and wears a backpack to provide some protection should he be stabbed in the back.

“We shouldn’t have to go to work under those conditions,” Brown, a former Local 234 president, said. “When we go to work, we want to go home the same way we came to work. You’re not leaking. You don’t have bullet holes in you. You don’t have a black eye. You want to go home the same way.”