Philadelphia Transit Approves Strike Before World Series
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Transit system workers in Philadelphia voted to authorize a union strike Sunday, less than a week before the Phillies play their first home game of the World Series, but a transit spokesman said he hopes a deal can be concluded before then.
Willie Brown, president of the Transport Workers Union Local 234, said the 4,700 workers voted overwhelmingly to allow him to call a strike if negotiations with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority fail. Talks are slated to resume Monday.
Brown said he hoped a walkout would not affect the series, but he said workers have been without a contract since March and have not had a raise since December.
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"This is the last week we're going to work without a contract," Brown said, while vowing to "leave no stone unturned" to reach a deal.
SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney said he hopes an accord can be reached quickly.
"We made a lot of progress last week, and there's no reason why in next couple of days this shouldn't be done," he said.
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Maloney said the company would have a contingency plan but declined to discuss details.
"It's too early for that," he said. "Our main concern should be getting a contract negotiated and signed, and that's our total focus."
A strike by subway and trolley operators, bus drivers, and mechanics would affect the Broad Street subway line from the center of Philadelphia 4 miles south to the sports stadiums. Also affected would be the Market-Frankford line from the city's northeastern section to the western suburbs, as well as surface trolleys and buses throughout the city.
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The third and fourth games of the World Series are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Philadelphia, and a fifth game, if necessary, would also be in the city Monday. In addition, the Philadelphia Eagles are scheduled to play the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon.
A seven-day walkout by the union idled buses, subways and trolleys in 2005. SEPTA's commuter rail service would not be halted since its workers are represented by a different union.