Philly’s Weeklong Transit Strike Over With Tentative Deal

Philly’s Weeklong Transit Strike Over With Tentative Deal
A commuter waits on the platform at Temple Univerty station during the first day of the SEPTA strike in Philadelphia, Pa., on Nov. 1, 2016. David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP
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The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and the union representing about 4,700 transit workers announced a tentative agreement early Monday.

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Board Chairman Pasquale Deon said it is a fair deal that provides “wage increases, pension improvements, and maintains health care coverage levels while addressing rising costs.”

The five-year deal is still subject to ratification by union members and must be approved by the SEPTA board.

Officials said subway service would likely be the first to return and that some bus and possibly trolley service could be available in time for Monday’s evening rush, but that it usually takes 24 hours for full service to return.

The workers with SEPTA walked out after midnight on Tuesday over issues including pension benefits and the amount of time off given to drivers between shifts.

A pedestrian outside a locked rail station in west Philadelphia on Nov. 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma)
A pedestrian outside a locked rail station in west Philadelphia on Nov. 1, 2016. AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma