The School District of Philadelphia has announced plans to help the approximately 55,000 students who depend on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) if transportation workers strike on Friday, November 8, 2024.
The strike, which is likely to begin at midnight Thursday unless a last-minute contract agreement is reached, has been unanimously authorized by the 5,300 members of the Transport Workers Union Local 234, which represents SEPTA workers. Important transit routes, including the Broad Street Line, the Market-Frankford Line, trolleys, and more than 100 bus routes, could be affected.
In a letter to parents, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington emphasized that while the district is not involved in contract negotiations, the SEPTA strike “could have an impact on the operations of our District.” He continued, “I respect the right of union members to speak for themselves. I hope that this strike can be avoided so that we can continue to operate as normal and support the social, emotional and academic needs of our students without interruption.”
General Plan: When service is suspended at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, November 8, all SEPTA, Metro (Market-Frankford, Broad Street, and Subway Surface Lines) city buses will be out of service. More information is available online.
— SEPTA (@SEPTA) November 7, 2024
With about 55,000 students depending on SEPTA for transportation, Watlington noted that other transportation options provided by the district “would not be an option” in the event of a strike. He assured families that students who arrive late or are absent due to travel disruptions will be excused with a note from a parent or guardian. Likewise, teachers and staff affected by the closure will also be excused if they are late, with staff support set aside if necessary.
“We are fully committed to ensuring that education continues for all students in the event of a SEPTA strike,” Watlington wrote. The district will monitor attendance and may convert schools to virtual learning if the strike negatively impacts student attendance, especially ensuring that students with special needs are equipped to participate remotely. Watlington added that teachers will not be expected to conduct in-person and online classes at the same time.
Should the strike continue, Watlington advises parents to check the district’s SEPTA Strike Blog and social media channels, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, for real-time updates.
(with comments from NBC News)
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