SEPTA STRIKE Expected To Hit Philadelphia Families Hard
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SEPTA and the Transit workers will put all public transportation to a halt if they are failed to reach a contract agreement by 11:59 p.m. Thursday night.
This potential strike looms over Philadelphia, threatening to pull the union’s over 5,300 drivers, operators and other SEPTA workers from their routes and to the picket lines. This strike would disturb bus, metro, and trolley services across the region. The employees have already authorized a strike if no deal is reached by the deadline.
The School District of Philadelphia estimates that a strike would affect around 55,000 students who depend on public transportation to get to and from school. In response, the district said in a statement that they are fully committed to ensuring that students will continue to learn even with the strike disruption.
The statement said: The District is closely monitoring staffing levels and will deploy central office staffing support as needed.
- In case where student or staff attendance is dramatically affected by the strike, the district may recommend that a school move to virtual instruction. In such a case, district and school leadership will ensure that all students, including and especially those with special needs, are equipped with the digital and physical materials they need to participate in virtual learning. Teachers will not deliver in-person and virtual instruction at the same time.
- Students who are late or absent due to SEPTA-related travel challenges will not be marked late, or will be excused upon receipt of a note from the parent of guardian.
- Staff late arrivals due to SEPTA-related travel challenges will be recorded as excused.
- The district is committed to maintaining vital supports for students and families such as technology services, safety and more.
The union said management has refused to issue raises and that union members want more safety and security measures in place.
