SEPTA and its largest workers union reached a tentative deal on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, avoiding a strike, NBC10 confirmed.
Transport Workers Union Local 234, which represents about 5,000 SEPTA employees, had been working without a contract since Nov. 7, 2025, when its last contract expired. The union then threatened on Friday, Dec. 5, that a strike was “imminent” unless a deal was reached.
On Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, SEPTA confirmed with NBC10 that both sides reached a tentative two-year deal.
The agreement was reached following discussions over the weekend that were mediated by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
“I want to thank Governor Shapiro and his team for their efforts to bring both sides together after talks broke down late last week,” said SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr., who was involved in contract discussions over the weekend. “These negotiations are difficult, and I thank everyone involved for their commitment to reaching an agreement while keeping service moving for SEPTA riders.”
The tentative contract lasts two years and includes wage increases as well as a temporary pension enhancement for TWU members who retire during the term of the contract. The contract also maintains healthcare and other benefits while adding a program designed to improve absence management.
Finally, the deal increases the pay differential for night shifts, which SEPTA says will help them provide adequate staffing while working to improve service.
“I greatly appreciate the efforts of negotiators on both sides, and we are grateful to Governor Shapiro and his team for their efforts to help us resolve differences and reach a tentative agreement,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. “The tentative contract agreement is both fair to our hardworking frontline employees, and fiscally responsible to our fare-paying riders and the taxpayers who fund SEPTA.”
The tentative agreement now goes to union members for ratification and then to the SEPTA Board for a vote.
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