The first major city worker strike in Philadelphia since 1986 concluded early Wednesday morning after eight days and four hours, leading to the immediate return of 9,000 members of the city’s largest municipal union to their jobs.
Union members include vital workers such as 911 dispatchers, library employees, and sanitation workers, all of whom are now set to resume their duties.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced the agreement with Greg Boulware, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33, shortly after 4 a.m. Wednesday.
Parker described the contract as “good news” for both union members and Philadelphia’s residents and businesses.
Conversely, Boulware expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “The strike is over, and nobody’s happy,” as he left negotiations.
The conditions for the strike began at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, when the union’s previous contract expired, allowing Boulware to call for a strike.
The impact of the strike was significant, with various city services curtailed, including the closure of public pools and reduced hours at recreational centers and libraries.
The most noticeable effect was the suspension of trash collection, leading to a dramatic increase in litter across the city, which residents began referring to as “Parker Piles.”
The city implemented temporary measures to manage the accumulation of trash, including the establishment of 60 drop-off sites for residents and enlisting nonunion workers and sanitation trainees for help.
However, reports indicated that these drop-off sites often became overflowing despite efforts to service them multiple times a day.
City Councilmember Anthony Phillips highlighted the unprecedented amount of trash in his district, expressing concern over the situation.
To address the public health and safety issues arising from the strike, Parker’s administration also sought court intervention to mandate certain striking union employees return to work.
Before the strike’s resolution, the city successfully obtained court orders requiring key workers from the 911 dispatch service, water department, airport, and medical examiner’s office to resume their positions.
Tensions escalated closer to Philadelphia’s Fourth of July celebrations as Parker delivered a passionate speech at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with DC 33 members and supporters protesting nearby.
Throughout the negotiation process, neither the city nor the union appeared willing to significantly adjust their initial proposals, leaving several critical issues, including wages, unresolved.
DC 33 members, who earn an average salary of $46,000, are considered the lowest-paid municipal union workers in Philadelphia.
The final agreement provided a compromise of 3% annual raises for union members, a figure closely resembling the city’s original offer and falling short of the 5% increase requested by Boulware.
Additionally, the contract included $1,500 bonuses and established a fifth pay scale step for union members.
In an emotional press conference following the agreement, Parker emphasized the importance of city workers, stating: “Your city values you and the work that you do every day for our residents.”
image source from：inquirer
