Employee walkout cripples SEPTA

Negotiations resumed between the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and its workers union, two days after a strike halted Philadelphia’s public transportation system.

Angry transit workers have vowed to remain on strike for weeks or months if they don't get an acceptable contract, according to wire reports.

Buses, subways and trolleys have been out of service since Oct. 31, while about 5,300 members of the Transport Workers Union have picketed, leaving nearly half a million riders without transit.

SEPTA officials said union leaders rejected a contract offer that would have required employees to pay 5% of their health insurance premiums. The offer also included a 9% pay raise over three years.