Suburban SEPTA Workers Could Strike Tuesday Amid Contract Talks

PHILADELPHIA — SEPTA's contact with the union representing workers who operate suburban transit lines expires at midnight, meaning suburban commuters who rely on SEPTA could be transportless.

International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, Transportation Division, Local 1594 voted on Nov. 8 to authorize a strike amid contract negotiations with SEPTA

The union, referred to as SMART Local 1594, represents about 350 Norristown High Speed Line, bus, and trolley operators in Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

If a new contract isn't reached by midnight, SMART's members could walk off the job Tuesday, leaving suburban riders without methods of mass transit, NBC10 reports.

This is all happening as SEPTA is also negotiating with Transportation Workers United Local 234 for a contract.

That union — which represents about 5,000 bus, subway, and trolley operators, mechanics, cashiers, maintenance workers, and custodians — authorized a strike in late October, but staved off striking amid ongoing discussions with SEPTA.