PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 7 (UPI) — The city of Philadelphia has gone to court to force transit workers back on the job, but only for one day, before resuming negotiations on a new deal with their union.
Concerned that thousands of residents of Philadelphia, or more, will not be able to travel efficiently to participate in the 2016 election, city officials asked a court to grant a temporary injunction forcing the striking transit workers back on the job Tuesday.
The officials said they planned to continue negotiating with Transit Workers Union on a new contract with the city, but the need to allow people to vote should outrank the contract squabble for one day.
“Though there are extensive efforts to minimize the effect of any transit strike on Election Day, unquestionably, such an Election Day strike will make it practically impossible for many Philadelphians to participate in this election,” said City Solicitor Sozi Pedro Tulante. “While there is still time for SEPTA and TWU to resolve the strike before Election Day, the Law Department must act now to ensure that as many Philadelphia residents as possible can vote without disruption. As a result, we are asking the Court for temporary relief.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said later in the day, however, that he plans to file a brief requesting an injunction to end the strike completely because of the way it has crippled transportation in the city.
In the meantime, some in the city have started offering the elderly and disabled rides to the polls, and a political action committee called My Ride to Vote is offering $15 credits for the ride-sharing services Uber or Lyft to help make it easier for people to vote. Philadelphia users of the ride-sharing services can enter the code VOTEPA to get the discount.
