Philadelphia transit strike ends after labor deal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Philadelphia transit workers reached a deal early on Monday to end a strike that shut down bus, subway and trolley service in America's sixth most populous city for almost a week, officials said.

"The strike is over. Service will resume (Monday) for the a.m. rush hour. Buses and trains will be back in operation," Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, a former Philadelphia mayor, told a televised early morning news conference to announce the pact.

About 4,700 unionized transit workers went on strike last Tuesday over wages, pensions and health benefits. The regional rail network had not been affected.

The five-year contract deal reached by Transport Workers Union Local 234 and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority provides for pay and benefit increases, The Philadelphia Inquirer said on its web site.