Philly transit union workers to strike

This sounds like a bad time to host the World Series.

Philadelphia transit workers have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a walkout less than a week before the Phillies play their first home game of the 2009 World Series.

Union president Willie Brown says 4,700 workers authorized him Sunday to call a strike if last-ditch negotiations with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority fail.

Brown says he hopes the series would not be affected by a walkout on buses, trolleys and the subway, which runs from central Philadelphia to the stadium. But he says workers have been without a contract since March and says this will be the "last week" they'll work without one.

SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney says he hopes a deal can be reached in the next few days.

Philadelphia will host games three and four of the World Series next weekend, and, if necessary, game five on Monday.