PHILADELPHIA—Members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 picket during a strike by the union against SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. The six-day strike by 5,100 transportation workers November 3-8 shut down bus and trolley operations. The latest proposed contract will be voted on in a week and a half, according to union officials. One of the main issues in dispute is the attempt by SEPTA to increase workers’ payments toward their pensions, thus impacting any negotiated wage increases. The union explains that the company has underfunded the pension fund. There is also disagreement on work rules in the maintenance department involving workers’ rights to choose jobs by seniority.

—JANET POST