By Ranjan Bhaduri
Nov. 7, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The evening of 6th Nov saw many people starting to protest the transit strike at the Suburban Station. Tili Ayala, who started the protest said, “I’m going to lose one of my jobs. I want the SEPTA corporation and the union to settle now! This is a time of recession! How dare you?” Just like Ayala, there are thousands of people who depend on the subways, buses and trolleys to commute. These transports aren’t in operation at the moment due to the strike called upon by the Union members. The whole issue between SEPTA and the Union has resulted in huge distress being caused to the public of Philadelphia county.

The Broad Street subway has its gates locked and a parking lot (near City Halls), bears a sign board that read, ‘Strike Special-$7.99″. The only operating SEPTA bus (as part of an exhibit) in Philadelphia is being boasted by the The Please Touch Museum. Last night, Governor Rendell and Bob Brady also announced that they are about to reach an agreement which could do away with the strike that has now been on for 4 days. For the agreement to come into force it will have to be accepted by the Union members. Once it has been approved the transport system could be back on by tonight itself.

The contract however, does not increase any wages or benefits as demanded by the Union, but it approves an increase in the worker’s pension fund contribution ultimately increasing their retirement benefits. SEPTA has also agreed to give them more control over their “job-picking rights’.