PHILADELPHIA - Transit system workers in Philadelphia voted to authorize a union strike yesterday, less than a week before the Phillies play their first home game of the World Series, but a transit spokesman said he hopes a deal can be concluded before then.
Willie Brown, president of Transport Workers Union Local 234, said the 4,700 workers voted overwhelmingly to allow him to call a strike if negotiations with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority fail.
Talks are slated to resume today.
Brown said he hoped a walkout would not affect the series, but he said workers have been without a contract since March and have not had a raise since December.
“This is the last week we’re going to work without a contract,’’ Brown said, while vowing to “leave no stone unturned’’ to reach a deal.
SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney said he hopes an accord can be reached quickly. “We made a lot of progress last week, and there’s no reason why this shouldn’t be done’’ in the next couple of days, he said.
Maloney said the company would have a contingency plan but declined to discuss details.
A strike by subway and trolley operators, bus drivers, and mechanics would affect the Broad Street subway line from the center of Philadelphia 4 miles south to the sports stadiums.
The third and fourth games of the World Series are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Philadelphia, and a fifth game, if necessary, would also be in the city Monday.
