PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Three major unions in Greater Philadelphia are all threatening to strike at once, which could “shut down the region,” according to a union leader.

The unions representing SEPTA operators in city and suburbs are currently negotiating new contractsjust like the union that represents more than 9,000 municipal workers. All three unions voted to authorize strikes if talks fail.

The presidents of the three unions met for breakfast Tuesday morning at the Northern Liberties Restaurant, Spring Garden.

The potential shutdowns could affect more than 700,000 daily transit riders and services in the City of Philadelphia, including restroom facilities.

“We’re going to try to avoid a work stoppage, but if we’re going to draw a line in the sand, we’re going to draw a line in the sand,” said Brian Pollitt, president of TWU Local 234. if we all go out, we will close the region. »

TWU Local 234 represents more than 4,500 SEPTA workers who operate buses, subway lines and streetcars in the city whose contracts have expired. As in-person negotiations stopped Tuesday, the union president met with leaders of SMART Local 1594, representing SEPTA workers in the suburbs.

This union also authorized a strike for similar reasons: concerns over safety and wages.

“All we ask is that we return home safe and sound the same way,” said Anthony Petty, president of SMART Local 1594.

The president of the AFSCME DC 33 union, the city’s largest union representing 9,000 municipal workers, including sanitation employees, said his workers have the same complaints.

Their contract expired in July and last week its members also voted to go on strike.

“We live in a city where prices and the cost of living are increasing daily and our members’ salaries are not keeping up with that trend at all,” said Greg Boulware, president of AFSCME DC 33.

Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration told Action News it continues to talk with DC 33 and is also monitoring the potential SEPTA strike.

“We are doing everything we can to reach an agreement that is fair to our employees, but also avoids serious disruption to the city and region,” said SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch.

SEPTA once again mentioned its funding cliff after $240 million in COVID relief funds expired. A bill to fund SEPTA is stalled in the state Senate, but Gov. Josh Shapiro says his administration could intervene.

“I want to be very clear: I will not let SEPTA fail,” Shapiro said, hinting at a subsequent announcement later this week.