Strike avoided: SMART-TD Local 1594 reaches tentative agreement with SEPTA. A victory for transit workers’ safety and dignity 

North Darby, PA – November 20, 2024 – After intense negotiations, SMART-TD Local 1594 has reached a tentative agreement (TA) with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).  

The agreement includes critical safety improvements and a wage increase, addressing longstanding concerns raised by the union over worker protection and security measures for transit operators. This agreement is a major step forward for the roughly 350 members of Local 1594, who stood firm throughout the negotiations. 

Anthony Petty, General Chairperson and SMART-TD Alternate Vice President of the Bus Department led the negotiations for Local 1594.  

“When SEPTA told us they had no budget for bulletproof glass enclosures, de-escalation training for our members, or to increase security and police presence on our buses and trolleys, that wasn’t just an insult—it was a direct threat to the safety of my union family,” said Petty. “You might get away with that somewhere else, but not here in Philadelphia. We won’t stand for it, and today’s agreement is a testament to that.” 

On Saturday, November 16, in response to SEPTA’s refusal to improve security or agree to a pay increase in 2025, the members of Local 1594 voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. This vote, combined with the strategic collaboration between Local 1594 and Transportation Workers Union (TWU) Local 234, was a turning point in the negotiations. Petty and his team were able to resume negotiation alongside the TWU. 

“I want to take a moment to thank the leadership of TWU Local 234 and their President, Brian Pollitt,” Petty stated. “We couldn’t have reached this agreement without their tireless effort and solidarity. Together, we fought for the safety and dignity of our members, and today we’re seeing the results of that work.” 

Under the terms of the tentative agreement, SEPTA has committed to installing bulletproof glass full enclosures around operators’ workstations on eight buses as part of a pilot project. There is also a commitment to extend these installations to more buses, based on feedback from operators. Additionally, the agreement includes a 5% General Wage Increase (GWI), helping to address the financial needs of SEPTA’s workforce. 

“I’m proud of the leadership at Local 1594 for staying strong and staying focused throughout this process,” Petty added. “Our members showed up every day with one goal: to serve the public in Philadelphia while keeping each other and our passengers safe. This was always about our members and their dignity, and today’s victory is because of their courage.” 

The agreement also marks a significant milestone for Petty, who, as a newly elected national officer with the SMART-TD Transit Union, is learning to advocate for transit members across the country. 

“This process has been a valuable learning experience for me, I want to thank SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson, and VP’s Alvy Hughes and James Sandoval for their assistance on this. These three national officers answered my phone calls every day and supported me through this whole process. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned from them to help all our bus members nationwide,” Petty explained. “We’re happy to have reached this agreement but make no mistake— we are staying on offense. Whether it’s in Philadelphia or from Charlotte, NC to Los Angeles, CA, we are going to keep pushing for the safety and dignity of transit workers.” 

SMART-TD Local 1594 and its leadership are grateful for SEPTA’s willingness to continue negotiations until an agreement was reached.  

“We’re proud of our members,” Petty concluded. “You’ve proven time and time again that you are committed to the safety of your coworkers and the communities you serve. You are the backbone of this system, and we will continue to fight for your protection and dignity.” 

The tentative agreement is subject to ratification by the union membership.