BY KATHY MICKELLS
PHILADELPHIA - After 14 days on strike Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 234 members ratified a contract with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) by a vote of 2,897 to 261. Workers on the suburban carriers Red Arrow and Frontier also ratified pacts. The strike had virtually shut down all mass transit in and out of Philadelphia.

"It's a pretty decent contract. We got a 3 percent wage increase in each of three years and the pension benefits are better," explained Edward Nevins, a bus driver out of the 12th and Luzerne bus barn. Union members will also get increases in sick pay and higher tool and clothing allowances. The union agreed to develop a program jointly with SEPTA to reduce accidents, injuries, and passenger claims.

During the strike the union organized a mass rally, big picket lines at regional rail stops, and a rush hour "drive slow" on one of the major expressways. "Those tactics we used are 20 years old. That's what it takes to get their attention," said Nevins.

The media and government officials worked overtime to discredit the strikers. Day after day workers in Philadelphia were bombarded with stories of how the strike was the cause of all the inconveniences. They were told there was no money to grant the demands of the strikers and the TWU members were portrayed as greedy highly paid workers. "But workers saw beyond what they tried to portray," said Nevins. "A lot of people came by and gave us a thumbs up."

"I know the strike messed people up because my mother couldn't get around," said an X-ray technician at the University of Pennsylvania. "But it was great seeing them take the strike to the suburbs, actually having them fight for a good contract. It was inspiring."

"We showed SEPTA," remarked one operator. "They said they didn't have the money, but they found it when we stood strong."

Kathy Mickells is a member of Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Local 8-901.  
 
 
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