Workers represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33 remain on strike as negotiations with city officials show little progress. As the strike enters its second week, both sides appear to be at an impasse, with the union expressing frustration over the city’s lack of movement on a proposed pay increase.
DC33 President Greg Boulware stated that the union had presented a revised proposal to the city. However, he criticized the city’s latest offer as being identical to previous proposals, saying, “Their proposal was exactly the same as it was the previous time we sat down with them. Line for line, verbatim, the exact same thing. They made no movement. They’re not negotiating in good faith.”
Boulware emphasized the union’s desire to reach a settlement and return to work but criticized the city for not showing willingness to engage in genuine negotiations. He noted the union’s plan to file an unfair labor practice accusation against the city for its perceived unwillingness to negotiate respectfully.
“They’re not coming to the table and being honorable. They are offering exactly the same as what they’ve been doing,” he said. He also explained how difficult productive conversations are when the city’s negotiators consistently present unchanged proposals.
Amidst ongoing discussions, the union is mobilizing support, planning a rally at City Hall on Wednesday to demonstrate solidarity among workers. They have set up a strike fund to assist workers financially during the strike, seeking donations to help families affected by the work stoppage.
Additionally, a local credit union is providing discounted loans for city workers facing immediate financial challenges, as the strike is set to impact their paychecks beginning Thursday. This financial assistance could lead to an extended strike period if the negotiations do not yield quick results.
As the strike continues, the city has faced challenges with overflowing dumpsters and the need for alternative trash disposal options. Officials have warned residents against improperly disposing of trash on city streets, stating that anyone caught doing so, particularly with commercial waste, could face a fine of up to $5,000 along with the potential for vehicle impoundment.
While negotiations are ongoing, the city remains reticent about public comments related to the progress being made at the negotiating table. Officials hope that by refraining from speculation, they can allow discussions to proceed undisturbed.
In response to the manpower shortage caused by the strike, a court order has mandated that eight emergency dispatchers at Philadelphia International Airport’s 311 system resume work. This follows last week’s judicial injunction that required over 200 employees from the city’s 911 call center to return to their positions. A similar order was also granted for workers in the Medical Examiner’s Office due to delays in processing deceased individuals.
As negotiations continue, there is growing tension between the city and the union, with both sides awaiting developments that may bring the strike to a resolution.
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