Philadelphia City Workers Go on Strike Following Breakdown in Contract Negotiations
In Philadelphia, nearly 10,000 city workers have gone on strike following a breakdown in contract negotiations. This group, represented by District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, performs essential functions such as trash collection, answering 911 calls, and maintaining city pools. The strike was announced via the union’s Facebook page with a message urging members to “HOLD THE LINES.” Mayor Cherelle Parker reacted by announcing the suspension of residential trash collection, closure of certain city pools, and reduced hours for recreation centers.
Despite the strike, she reassured residents that essential services, especially those provided by police and firefighters, would continue to function. After late-night negotiations, Parker emphasized that Fourth of July celebrations in Philadelphia, often referred to as the nation’s birthplace, would proceed as planned, urging citizens not to abandon their holiday plans. In her statements, Mayor Parker affirmed that the city extended its best offer during negotiations, which included a proposal for 13% in raises over her four-year term, plus adjustments to the pay scale. District Council 33, the largest of four unions representing city workers, has proposed annual raises of 8% for each year of a three-year contract, along with cost-of-living adjustments and pandemic bonuses for workers.
Union leaders emphasized the contributions of their members to the city’s operations and stressed that the contract must accurately reflect their value. Additionally, they requested the city to cover the full cost of employee health care, estimated at $1,700 per person per month. The ongoing strike highlights the workers’ demands for fair compensation in light of their essential roles within the community. In the recent past, the city successfully averted a transit strike by negotiating a one-year contract with modest raises.