PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — SEPTA union workers in Philadelphia will remain on the job for the time being as negotiations for a new contract continue.

A possible strike was planned for midnight, but both union and SEPTA leadership say that won’t happen yet.

“We are willing to go the extra mile and allow additional time to reach a fair agreement,” said Brian Pollitt, president of TWU Local 234. “However, let me be clear if SEPTA executives do not meet our demands, we will be on the picket line.”

If a strike were to occur, it would shut down service in the city of Philadelphia. The service disruption would impact about 55,000 students who rely on city bus and subway services, the School District of Philadelphia said.

READ MORE: SEPTA Strike Guide 2024: What to know if workers find themselves in the picket line

The school district released the following list of considerations in the event of a strike:

• The district is closely monitoring staffing levels and will utilize Central Office staffing support as necessary.

• In cases where student or staff attendance is dramatically affected by the strike, the district may recommend that a school transition to virtual learning.

• In such a case, district and school leaders 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 teach in-person and virtually at the same time.

• Students who are late or absent due to SEPTA-related travel challenges will not be marked late, or will be excused upon receipt of a note from the parent or guardian.

• If staff arrive late due to SEPTA-related travel issues, it will be recorded as excused.

• The district is committed to maintaining essential supports for students and families, such as technology services, safety and more.

Benjamin Franklin High School senior Meyonna King Jordan is among the students who could be affected.

“Because I live in Germantown, so I live down the road in Germantown, so I would have to take the bus and the train to go to school,” the 18-year-old said.

Students’ commutes and education could be affected if a strike occurs.

“I rely on SEPTA 80% of the time to get somewhere,” said 18-year-old Aleanna Ramos, a senior at Central High School. “Everyone here uses SEPTA to go to school, so I guess I won’t come or the school will have to figure something out for us.”

Superintendent Tony Watlington says the district is closely monitoring the situation.

“No matter what happens, schools will open and we will be prepared to receive students,” Watlington said.

The school district says if a strike occurs, students who are late or absent due to SEPTA-related travel issues will not be flagged late or excused if they have a note.

He added that while in-person learning is the “gold standard,” virtual learning may be recommended if student or staff attendance is dramatically affected by transit issues.

“I can’t do virtual anymore,” Ramos said. “COVID has really given me bad grades, both personality-wise and personality-wise. I can’t do virtual anymore.”

SEPTA has released a guide to travel times for riders during a strike. That guide is here on SEPTA.org.

What impact will SEPTA have?

Spokesman Andrew Busch said if the union were to call a strike, it would close all bus, trolley and subway/EL service in the city of Philadelphia.

“That core portion of the network that covers all of Philadelphia would be out of service,” Busch said.

Regional rail would enter the city as normal, and suburban transit services — buses, Route 101 and 102 trolleys, the Norristown high-speed line — would be operational.

After the strike permit vote last month, union representatives said they are fighting for higher wages and improved safety and security.

“They can find some money to come to the table and find the economic justice that we’re looking for,” said Brian Pollitt, Local 234’s president.

Pollitt said their first proposal to SEPTA was a one-year contract with a 10% pay increase, but SEPTA responded with a $1,000 bonus if members made concessions on their health care.

The union says it has rejected the offer. SEPTA would not discuss details because the talks are in flux.

The union represents more than 4,500 employees and operates buses, trolleys and subway lines in the city of Philadelphia.

The union president says SEPTA has the resources to tap.

“They have a rainy day fund of almost $600 million,” Pollitt says.

But SEPTA claims this is simply not true.

“We need that fund to pay bills every month,” Busch said. “That money is not set aside, it is not a cash reserve,” Busch explained.

The transit agency is facing a $240 million shortfall after COVID-19 relief funds expired. Recently, SEPTA has proposed changes including fare increases and eliminating free parking, but these need a long-term solution at the state level, Busch explained.

The union also said in this contract that they were also promised greater safety measures.

“We’re looking at body armor for operators that want them. We’re looking at body armor for the bus operator,” Pollitt said.

Pollitt said they began negotiations in June and have demonstrated a strong working relationship with SEPTA.