Septa Strike Talks Break Down

by KYW’s Jim Melwert

Riders of SEPTA buses, subways, and trolleys are still left stranded by a strike with no end in sight.

Governor Ed Rendell's reports of a tentative deal on Friday night proved to be premature as talks once again fell apart on Saturday.

Striking transit workers remain on the picket line, and buses, trolleys, and subways in the city remain stalled with no new talks scheduled.

Saturday was a back-and-forth day regarding the strike. Governor Ed Rendell:

"I am out as a negotiator, and I am taking with me the $7 million of state funding."

Rendell says he would be willing to leave that money if Transport Workers Union 234 President Willie Brown were to allow his members to vote on this contract by Monday at midnight.

Brown says that's not going to happen:

"First off our constitution does not allow that and as far as him taking the $7 million off the table? I am not for sale. I will not sell my membership out."

The union wants the right to perform an independent audit of the pension fund, and also language protecting union members from any increased taxes on healthcare if a federal plan were to be passed during the life of the contract.

An official with the transit agency says there are no talks scheduled with the Transport Workers Union local 234, and nothing is expected before Monday.

That means the walkout is likely to stretch into its seventh day -- and another week of commutes -- with no service and little hope for a quick resolution.

Stay tuned to KYW Newsradio 1060 for the latest on this developing story.