SEPTA, Union Leaders Talking Again

PHILADELPHIA - Representatives of Philadelphia's transit system and its largest union are meeting again Wednesday. Both sides say they hope they can avert a walkout authorized by 4,700 workers just days before the first World Series game is scheduled in the city.

Fox 29 has learned that both sides are scheduled to resume talks Wednesday at the Holiday Inn at 4th and Market Streets.

The two groups met until 8:30pm Tuesday night.

Willie Brown, president of the Transport Workers Union Local 234, says workers on Sunday authorized a strike if last-ditch negotiations fail with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.

Brown said he hoped a walkout would not affect the series. But he says workers have been without a contract since March, and this is the last week they're going to work without a contract.

SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney says the two sides made progress last week and he hopes a deal can be concluded in the next few days.

It would stall trolley, subway and bus service creating a transportation nightmare for thousands of fans trying to get to the Flyers, Eagles games this weekend in South Philadelphia.

A seven-day walkout by the union idled buses, subways and trolleys in 2005.

SEPTA's commuter rail service would not be halted. World Series games are scheduled Saturday, Sunday and Monday in South Philadelphia.