The Faculty District of Philadelphia has outlined plans to help roughly 55,000 college students who depend on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) if transit staff strike on Friday, 8 November 2024.
The potential strike, on account of start at midnight on Thursday except a last-minute contract settlement is reached, was unanimously accepted by the 5,300 members of Transport Employees Union Native 234, which represents SEPTA workers. Key transit routes, together with the Broad Avenue Line, Market-Frankford Line, trolleys, and over 100 bus routes, may very well be affected.
In a letter to folks, Philadelphia Faculty District Superintendent Tony Watlington emphasised that though the district will not be concerned within the contract discussions, a SEPTA strike “would affect the operation of our District.” He continued, “I respect the appropriate of union members to advocate for themselves. I do hope that this strike might be prevented in order that we are able to proceed to function usually and assist the social, emotional and tutorial wants of our college students with out disruption.”
System Broad: Within the occasion of a piece stoppage at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, November 8, all SEPTA metropolis bus, Metro (Market-Frankford, Broad Avenue, and Subway Floor Traces) won’t function. Additional particulars can be found on-line. https://t.co/UiQSZ9nAHS
— SEPTA (@SEPTA) November 7, 2024
With practically 55,000 college students relying on SEPTA for transport, Watlington famous that various district-provided transportation “wouldn’t be an possibility” if the strike happens. He assured households that college students who’re late or absent on account of transit disruptions can be excused with a notice from a mother or father or guardian. Likewise, educators and employees affected by the shutdown would even be excused for late arrivals, with staffing assist on standby if vital.
“We’re totally dedicated to making sure that studying continues for all college students within the occasion of a SEPTA strike,” Watlington wrote. The district will monitor attendance and should shift faculties to digital studying if the strike severely impacts attendance, notably guaranteeing that college students with particular wants are outfitted for distant participation. Watlington added that academics wouldn’t be anticipated to conduct in-person and on-line lessons concurrently.
Ought to the strike proceed, Watlington suggested dad and mom to examine the district’s SEPTA Strike Weblog and social media channels, together with Fb, X (previously Twitter), and Instagram, for real-time updates.
(with inputs from NBC information)
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