Septa union to particpate in Thursday's labor rally

    One of the unions representing SEPTA employees is joining with other unions for a rally in Philadelphia this week. The transit union has been working without a contract since March.

    One of the unions representing SEPTA employees is joining with other unions for a rally in Philadelphia this week. The transit union has been working without a contract since March.

    Listen:
    [audio: 090615tmsepta.mp3]

    Willie Brown is head of the Transport Workers Union Local 234. He says he has been exchanging offers with SEPTA officials, but the two sides remain far apart. Brown says the transit agency is in a good enough financial situation to meet its workers needs.

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    Brown: The more gas goes up the more ridership they have, they just received $200 million in stimulus money from President Obama. They had a budget prior to receiving that money so now all of a sudden for us not to get a contract that’s ridiculous”

    Brown says his patience is wearing thin, but would not give a deadline for when SEPTA workers might go on strike. A SEPTA spokesperson said the agency is engaged in ongoing communications with the union and did not want to comment further.

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