Willie Brown, head of SEPTA's largest union, steps down

Context: Brown, a former trolley operator with a bruising negotiating style, was first elected to lead Local 234 in 2008.

• He oversaw SEPTA's largest union during two strikes in 2009 and 2016, and he most recently negotiated a new contract with the transit agency in October to avoid a work stoppage.
• Brown has referred to himself as the "most hated man in Philadelphia."

Between the lines: In his new role, Brown will still be involved in dealings with the city's transit agency.

• He'll help negotiate transit contracts for Transport Workers Union of America members and contribute to public policy, Horwitz said.

Of note: The union's transit division represents bus and train operators, engineers, cleaners and other workers in public transit systems throughout the country, including in Philadelphia and New York City.

What's ahead: Pollitt, a former bus operator, will focus on bringing solidarity to Local 234 and preparing for the next round of SEPTA contract negotiations, which are less than two years away, Horwitz said.