SEPTA Strike: Day 3

Day 3 of the SEPTA strike was punctuated by another crisis when a SEPTA worker was hit and killed by a SEPTA train in the Fern Rock section of the city.

On Wednesday's, a train caught fire, which SEPTA officials said was accidental, not strike-related.

Commuters grew increasingly annoyed with the public bickering by both sides, but lack of any progress.

"Just work it out so I can get home on time," one rider said.

The city's buses, trolleys and trains are still parked. Regional rails, ParaTransit and the Lucy line are running.

Pensions are the biggest contract issue. The union says pensions are grossly underfunded and SEPTA says the funds are in bad shape financially due to the stock market crash.

The union says it will stay off the job as long as it takes, until workers' pensions are secure. And TWU Local 234 president Willie Brown said Wednesday he was cutting Mayor Nutterwho he called "Little Caesar" -- out of any negotiations because Nutter "brought nothing to the table."

Governor Ed Rendell is trying to talk both sides back to the bargaining table.

Right now, no formal talks are scheduled, but Rendell is hoping to meet with the union.


How are you coping with the SEPTA strike?


TIPS@nbcphiladelphia.comA "Bike the Strike" push is on by Philly's Bicycle Coalition. If you pedal in to the city and park at the NW corner of City Hall, Bike the Strike ambassadors will keep a watchful eye on your bike every day from 9 to 5.

And don't forget that cab service is expanded too.   

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