Twenty-four hours after SEPTA police went on strike, no new talks have been scheduled.
The Fraternal Order of Transit Police, which represents 219 sworn officers, have been without a contract for a year. They hit the picket lines yesterday shortly before 2 p.m.
Philadelphia police are patrolling the system and will have additional officers at 24 key locations between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. SEPTA has also deployed 40 security guards from a private firm and its non-union police personnel.
As of this afternoon, SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney said things appear to be running smoothly.
“They’re filling in the gaps and doing a good job of it,” Maloney said of Philadelphia police and private security. “We have not had a problem that’s out of the ordinary today and the system’s been running fine.”
Last night, union officials met with Congressman Bob Brady who reached out to SEPTA’s board chairman Pasquale “Pat” Deon to try to resume talks. Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. has also been involved, but no negotiations have been scheduled, Maloney said.
“We’re waiting for them to come back to the bargaining table,” Maloney said.
The union said its awaiting a call from SEPTA. FOTP president Richard Neal claims the union has made concessions, but that SEPTA refused to budge on $200,000 in certification pay for officers who complete regular training.
