SEPTA workers vote to authorize strike, raising possibility of major transit disruptions

The union representing thousands of SEPTA workers voted to authorize a strike Sunday, raising the possibility of more transit disruptions across the Philadelphia region. The vote, held Sunday afternoon inside a packed South Philadelphia union hall, gives labor leaders the power to call a walkout if contract negotiations with SEPTA break down.

Hundreds of members of Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 234 filled the room as union leadership outlined their grievances and their strategy. The union represents about 5,000 SEPTA employees, including bus, subway and trolley operators, as well as mechanics.

"If SEPTA doesn't put money on the table, we're going to shut Philly down," said John Samuelsen, international president of the Transport Workers Union. "We're going to shut it down. That's w