The Philadelphia School District released a contingency plan on Sunday in the event that the Transport Workers Union Local 234, which represents about 5,000 SEPTA employees, goes on strike. The union has authorized a strike as it negotiates a contract with SEPTA, and union leaders said on Frida y that a strike is “imminent” unless they are able to reach a deal. However, on Sunday night, SEPTA put out a statement saying that the two sides will meet for contract negotiations on Monday and services will run normally. “In the meantime, there will not be a strike, so all SEPTA services will run on normal schedules for Monday, Dec. 8,” the agency said. The union also put out a statement confirming talks would resume on Monday and said intervention by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was crucial in the development. “Governor Shapiro was instrumental in preventing a strike that could have started as soon as Monday morning. We’re grateful for his close involvement and support,” said TWU Local 234 President Will Vera.    A union official gave NBC10 more details into Shapiro’s role, saying, “He and his senior staff brought key players together in his office and got promises from both sides. Specifics will be coming, but negotiations are not complete. Continue tomorrow.” Around 51,000 students in the Philadelphia School District use SEPTA to commute to and from school, and many staff members rely on the transit agency as well. In the event a strike does occur, which would shutter around 80% of SEPTA’s services, the District said they will excuse students who are late or absent due to SEPTA issues, as long as they receive a note from a parent or guardian. The District will also consider virtual learning in cases where attendance is significantly impacted. “In such a case, District and school leadership will ensure that all students, including and especially those with special needs, are equipped with the digital and physical materials they need to participate in virtual learning. Teachers will not deliver in-person and virtual instruction at the same time,” the District said in its release. The District also said it will closely monitor staff levels and deploy Central Office staff if needed. “I respect the right of union members to advocate for themselves,” said Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr. “I do hope that this strike can be avoided so that we can continue to operate normally and support the social, emotional and academic needs of our students without disruption.” SEPTA and the union have been working to finalize a new two-year contract for some time, with members working without a contract since Nov. 7, 2025, when the union’s previous agreement with the transit agency expired. “The patience is over. A strike is imminent. It’s going to happen today. It’s going to happen tomorrow and there will be support,” John Samuelsen, international president of the TWU, said on Friday, Dec. 5. One major sticking point, union leaders said, was how the mass transit providers handles sick pay for workers. Another reported sticking point is how the pension fund is being managed. “SEPTA is committed to engaging in good-faith negotiations to reach an agreement on a contract that is fair to our hard-working employees as well as the taxpayers and fare-paying riders who fund SEPTA,” a spokesperson for the transit agency wrote in a statement. “Our negotiators are ready to resume talks, and we urge TWU representatives to return to the bargaining table so that we can reach an agreement without disrupting service for our riders.” ...read more read less