Philadelphia’s largest city workers’ union is on strike. Here’s the latest

Philadelphia’s largest blue-collar union is on strike following weeks of negotiations over pay.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33 represents 9,000 city workers, including sanitation workers, city mechanics, 911 dispatchers and school crossing guards.

This is the union’s first major strike in nearly 40 years, when a 20-day strike led to trash piling up on city streets.

What is the status of negotiations between AFSCME DC33 and the Parker administration?

The head of District Council 33 broke his silence Wednesday about the union’s contract dispute with the city.

After telling reporters they were going back to the bargaining table, DC33 leader Greg Boulware did not sound optimistic anything would come of the talks.

“Quite honestly, we feel like the city hasn’t come with an offer that’s respectable enough,” he said. “That’s why we are where we are right now.”

Boulware also spoke to the city being granted an injunction that limits picketing.

“Clearly the city doesn’t want to negotiate in good faith with us by doing tactics like this to make sure that they diminish any opportunity for us to have an effective strike on the side of this city,” said Boulware.

City sues to force some DC33 workers back to work

On Tuesday, the city filed three requests for preliminary injunctions in the Court of Common Pleas related to the DC33 strike, which officials say were “successfully litigated.” Law Department representative Andrew Richman confirmed that 911 call center employees will return to work after a temporary restraining order was granted in that case.

Essential Philadelphia Water Department workers who perform key functions were similarly ordered to return to work, and DC33 picketers were prohibited from blocking or obstructing access to municipal buildings.

Why is AFSCME DC33 on strike?

District Council 33 leader Greg Boulware says the city isn’t offering enough money for union workers to be able to live in Philadelphia.

“We got people that work and repair the water mains and can’t afford their water bill,” Boulware explained. “We got people that repair the runways at the airport and can’t afford a plane ticket. I don’t want to be rich. We just want a comfort inside the city that we serve daily.”

“When inflation is up and the cost of living is up 2%, 3% raises don’t change the narrative,” Boulware said.

When talks broke down late Monday night, the city was offering an 8% raise over three years. The union was seeking an 8% raise yearly.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said in a statement that the city “put its best offer on the table.” “Unfortunately,” Parker wrote, “DC 33 did not accept it.”

Parker said the city remains committed to reaching a “fair and fiscally responsible contract” with the affected municipal workers.

No curbside trash or recycling collection; city opens temporary drop-off sites, as residents voice concerns

Sanitation and trash pickup services are operating with “modified capacity,” Parker said. The city is asking residents not to place trash out curbside.

“It’s going to pile up, pile up, pile up,” said Katie Williams, whose normal trash pickup day is Tuesday. By midday, trash bags full of garbage lined her West Philly street. “I hope they can come to some kind of agreement. They deserve more money.”

Williams worries the trash will attract rodents and other animals.

“It’s going to be mice and everything in your house,” she said, “and all kinds of insects — maggots everywhere.”

Where can Philly residents drop off their trash during the strike?

Residents may bring their trash to temporary drop-off locations across the city. The city is encouraging residents to do so on their regular trash day.

The drop-off sites will only take bagged trash and will not accept larger items like tires or construction debris. Officials are asking residents not to put recycling at the curb or the special drop-off sites.

If the work stoppage lingers and more capacity is needed, additional collection sites may be added, Parker said.

Grass clippings can be dropped off to be recycled into compost, which can be used for gardening, according to Carlton Williams, the city’s director of clean and green services. He also urged people to use garbage disposals instead of bagging leftover food waste.

West Philly resident Jack Day says the drop-off sites are not a realistic option for people like him who do not own vehicles. He hopes the city gives sanitation workers the raise they’re seeking.

“Most people don’t have cars and those that do, I doubt will be willing to bring it to one of the stations to get rid of it,” he said. “So, it’s just going to pile up.”

Scott Slade took his and some of his neighbors’ trash to a dumpster at a drop-off site in West Philly Tuesday. The retired correctional officer is a member of DC 33 and sees the drop-off sites as a good option.

“I hope the strike doesn’t last long,” he said. “Because this is going to be a real ugly situation.”

Parks & Rec services — including public pools — impacted

More than 60 city pools were expected to be open by the end of next week, according to the city. Only 26 will be fully available during the strike due to limited maintenance staffing. City spraygrounds remain available.

Recreation centers are open for reduced hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Evening programs are suspended, but summer camps will continue as scheduled.

Permitted events in park spaces should also expect limited cleaning, maintenance and gate access.

Will Philly’s Fourth of July celebrations be impacted?

The city’s Wawa Welcome America Fourth of July festivities will go on as planned, Parker said.

Philly library closures

All Philadelphia libraries — outside of branches experiencing long-term closures due to cooling issues or renovations — are closed due to the work stoppage as of Wednesday morning.

Prepare for slower 911 pick-up times

Emergency 911 call centers will remain operational, according to Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, with officers being moved to handle complaint calls. However, he warned residents of longer-than-average pick-up times.

“One of the things we do expect is some wait times for 911 due to some of the shortages. Do not hang up,” Bethel said.

Reduced PWD workforce

The Philadelphia Water Department is operating with a reduced workforce. Staff will be “cross-training” to ensure drinking water and wastewater services continue uninterrupted, Parker said, though the mayor warned of service impacts and longer wait times for repairs.

Philadelphia Department of Public Health delays

Most services under the city public health department will remain available, but some health center services may be temporarily unavailable or delayed. Patients with upcoming appointments will be contacted regarding their status, the Parker administration said in a press release.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.