Contract negotiations resumed Wednesday between SEPTA and the union representing thousands of workers, more than three weeks after the union voted to authorize a strike .

Transport Workers Union Local 234, which represents 5,000 subway, trolley and bus operators and mechanics, has been working without a contract since Nov. 7. Sticking points in the current negotiations include better sick pay for workers and a two-year contract, instead of just one.

If a deal can't be met, John Samuelsen, international president of TWU, warned that a strike could "shut Philly down."

"We all authorize a strike," SEPTA body mechanic Lyle Smith said last month. "If it happens, it happens. Sorry for the public, but we gotta do what we gotta do for our families."

SEPTA leaders said they believe the ongo

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