17 December 2023
After a months-long stalemate, the Fraternal Order of Transit Police (FOTP) and SEPTA have reached a tentative agreement to end the strike that began on Wednesday. The agreement will now go to both the FOTP and the SEPTA Board for approval.
After days of negotiations, the Fraternal Order of Transit Police (FOTP) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) have reached a tentative agreement to end the strike that has disrupted public transportation in Philadelphia. The strike, which began on Wednesday, was the result of a long-standing stalemate between the FOTP and SEPTA over a new contract. However, with the help of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, both parties were able to find common ground and reach a resolution. This agreement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing negotiations and paves the way for the return of SEPTA police officers to their regular patrols.
Delicate Negotiations Lead to a Tentative Agreement
Negotiators from both the FOTP and SEPTA have been working tirelessly to reach a resolution and end the strike. The tentative agreement addresses key issues that led to the strike, including concerns over equality with other transit workers who had already reached an agreement with SEPTA. The FOTP was able to secure a 13% raise over 36 months, rather than the 43 months initially proposed by SEPTA. This concession ensures that FOTP members receive their increases on time, bringing them in line with other SEPTA unions.
Governor Shapiro’s Instrumental Role
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro played a crucial role in facilitating the negotiations and helping both parties find common ground. His involvement and commitment to public safety were instrumental in reaching the tentative agreement. Governor Shapiro’s administration has been in constant communication with SEPTA and FOTP leaders, ensuring that all parties had a voice in the negotiations. The FOTP expressed their gratitude to Governor Shapiro for his critical role in resolving the strike.
Approval Process and Ratification
While the tentative agreement is a significant step forward, it still needs to be approved by both the FOTP and the SEPTA Board. A vote on the agreement will be held next week, where members of both groups will have the opportunity to ratify the contract. If approved, the agreement will mark the official end of the strike and pave the way for a return to normalcy for SEPTA passengers.
Return of SEPTA Police Officers
With the tentative agreement in place, SEPTA police officers will return to their regular patrols immediately. SEPTA officials have expressed their satisfaction with the resolution, welcoming back their officers and acknowledging the hard work of negotiators from both sides. The department will be fully staffed by no later than 11 p.m. on Saturday, ensuring the safety and security of SEPTA passengers.
Conclusion:
The tentative agreement between the Fraternal Order of Transit Police and SEPTA represents a significant breakthrough in the ongoing negotiations. After a months-long stalemate, both parties have found common ground and reached a resolution that addresses the key concerns of the FOTP. The involvement of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro played a vital role in facilitating the negotiations and ensuring public safety remained a top priority. As the agreement now goes through the approval process, SEPTA passengers can look forward to the return of regular service and the presence of SEPTA police officers, ensuring a safe and secure transit experience.
