Federal panel backs SEPTA in union dispute (11.5 percent)

[Omaha Steve]

http://articles.philly.com/2014-07-15/news/51549464_1_septa-jerri-williams-regional-rail

BY VINNY VELLA, Daily News Staff Writer [e-mail], 215-854-2513
POSTED: July 15, 2014

IN ITS REPORT filed yesterday, a board called by President Obama to end a years-long labor dispute sided with SEPTA on raises and pension-plan contributions - two major sticking points behind a one-day Regional Rail strike last month.

"We are pleased with the results of the report," said Jerri Williams, a SEPTA spokeswoman. "It's what we've been trying to explain in negotiations with the unions for a number of years."

The board recommends that the wage increases paid out to the members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers should be the same (11.5 percent) as those doled out in a 2010 contract with the Transport Workers Union, which represents SEPTA's bus drivers and subway operators.

Historically, that larger union sets the pattern for negotiations with all other labor groups, a fact the board pointed to in making its decision.

FULL story at link.