SEPTA transit police officers walked the picket lines on day two of their strike. About 200 officers were off the job Thursday after working without a contract for nearly a year.
Officers waited for word from SEPTA management as they walked the picket line outside the Market Street. Currently no talks were scheduled as of Thursday afternoon.
“We’re here, we’re waiting for their phone call, and we want to negotiate and resolve the issue as soon as possible,” SEPTA Transit Officer Rich Neal told NBC 10.
SEPTA police officers went on strike Wednesday afternoon after contract talks fell apart at the bargaining table. The officers have been working without a contract since April 2011.
The union’s sticking point is a $.50 per hour increase for training certification for its officers, which would cost a total of $200,000 per year.
Morning commuters at 15th and Market noticed their absence.
“Right now I just see black and white signs replacing their presence so that’s no good," Arrie Bateman said.
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SEPTA officials hired private security officers and enlisted city police to step in but some passengers say the smaller security presence doesn’t feel the same as the full time transit police.
“It kind of leaves a little more leeway for things to happen to me,” Michelle Booker said.
Officials say they don't anticipate the strike called by the Fraternal Order of Transit Police, Local 30 to affect transit operations or service.
SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney calls the walkout “unnecessary.” He says he hopes talks resume soon.
Police say additional personnel will be deployed at two dozen critical points to provide security at school dismissal times and during rush hour.
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