Philly transit union says pact reports 'premature'

PHILADELPHIA — A national spokesman for the Philadelphia transit system's largest union says reports of a tentative agreement were "premature" and the negotiations aimed at ending a five-day strike continue.

Transport Workers Union Local 234 spokesman Jamie Horwitz says progress is being made and a counteroffer is being made to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority through U.S. Rep. Robert Brady, D-Pa.

Horwitz declined comment on Gov. Ed Rendell's announcement Friday night that the two sides had reached agreement on a tentative pact. SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney says Horwitz's statements are "brand-new to us."

The union walked out early Tuesday in a dispute largely centered on pension benefits, idling city subways, trolleys and buses.