|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Jewell Williams
|
|
Williams: Philadelphia Delegation urges SEPTA and union to negotiate
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 5 – As the mass transit strike in Philadelphia hits day three, state Rep. Jewell Williams, D-Phila., and other members of the state legislature's Philadelphia Delegation are urging SEPTA officials and Transport Workers Union leaders to come to a quick resolution to help Philadelphians who depend on public transit.
Williams, chairman of the Philadelphia Delegation, said he and other members of the delegation have heard from hundreds of constituents whose lives have been disrupted because of the strike.
"While we understand that SEPTA management and union leaders have serious disagreements, we would hope that they would consider the greater ramifications this is having on the Philadelphia community and the responsibility that is owed to patrons," Williams said. "When you are the sole public transit system in the sixth-largest city in the United States, you can't leave your patrons stranded on a platform or bus stop.
"People are unable to get to work and possibly at risk of losing their job. They cannot get their children to day care. Health-care professionals aren't able to report to hospitals. The sick and elderly can't get to their doctor appointments. We would hope these considerations are a primary factor in the urgency of the negotiations."
Williams said the Philadelphia Delegation is imploring both parties to return to the negotiating table.
"Get back to that table and restore some normalcy for workers, school
children and the elderly," Williams said. "In the meantime, we
are ready and willing to help any constituents we can get through this strike
with minimal damage."
###