Philly transit OKs strike ahead of World Series

Associated Press ^ | October 25, 2009 | RON TODT

[george76]

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.

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.

[tet68]

Union money must be on the out of towners.

[PERKY2004]

GOSH! No raise in 10 months!!?!? Oh, the humanity!!!!!

[pnh102]

This is the same union, the only union I believe, which went on strike during World War 2. If I remember the history lesson correctly, the strike ended when FDR threatened to have the strikers drafted.

Too bad they can't all be fired.

[martinidon]

“have not had a raise since December” Are you kidding me... The unions obviously do not get it!

[jazusamo]

Union thuggery in Philly, who would ever believe that? LOL!

[I Hate Obama]

Workers of the world go on strike!

[I Hate Obama]

Workers of the world go on strike!

[george76]

Another labor action ( as they call it ) or labor not in action ?

[PGR88]

Still one of the best Union commercials ever. The guy sounds like he’s from Philly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3mw49mk_x0

[GeronL]

I hope it lasts months.

[GeronL]

during a bad recession no less.

entitlement mentality you think?

[Stentor]

I hope it lasts months.

Without the buses, getting around town is a snap. I hope they never come back.

[Mac from Cleveland]

I live in the Philly ‘burbs—SEPTA, or “Septic” as I like to call it, (which thankfully, I only use rarely-when I go into the Center Cesspool of Philly and don’t want to take my car) is the WORST—transit systems in NYC, Boston, DC, all are much better than SEPTA.

[freedumb2003]

>>Too bad they can’t all be fired. <<

Or drafted.

[bmwcyle]

Some people don’t have jobs and the medical field is looking at losing many jobs.

[Free_SJersey]

If they go on strike, out of towners will miss out on the SEPTA experience of rude operators, poor service and urine scented conveyances.

[I_Like_Spam]

What difference does it make?

Few world series attendees take the bus to the game. Tickets to the game have to be at least $200, if they can afford to go, they can afford a limo or cab to get there.

[Stentor]

If they go on strike, out of towners will miss out on the SEPTA experience of rude operators, poor service and urine scented conveyances.

Not to mention the pros leaving town to "get paid" in the burbs.

[moovova]

It’s a conspiracy...

The union is trying to stave off the possibility of President ObaMao throwing another dirt ball.