The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33 (AFSCME DC33), representing 9,000 city workers in Philadelphia, has officially gone on strike following a breakdown in negotiations over pay.
This marks the union’s first significant strike in nearly four decades, reminiscent of a previous strike in 1981 that resulted in trash accumulating on city streets.
AFSCME DC33 leader Greg Boulware has criticized the city’s financial offers, stating they fall short of allowing workers to maintain a livable wage in Philadelphia.
Boulware highlighted troubling anecdotes, noting that some workers, such as those who repair water mains, struggle to pay their own water bills, while others servicing the airport cannot afford plane tickets.
“We just want a comfort inside the city that we serve daily,” Boulware asserted.
The union’s demands included an annual 8% raise, contrasting sharply with the city’s proposed 8% raise spread over three years.
In a statement, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed disappointment over the failure to reach an agreement, insisting that the city had put forth its best offer and remained committed to negotiating a fair contract for municipal workers.
In light of the strike, city services like sanitation and trash collection are heavily impacted.
Mayor Parker stated that these services will continue to operate at a modified capacity, and she has urged residents not to put trash out on the curb during the strike.
Katie Williams, a local resident, expressed her concerns about trash piling up in the streets, fearing it could lead to pest infestations.
“If it just piles up, it’s going to be mice and everything in your house,” she remarked.
During this period, residents can utilize temporary drop-off locations set up by the city for trash disposal.
However, these sites are only accepting bagged trash and do not accommodate larger items like tires or construction debris.
Officials have clarified that recycling should not be placed at curbside or drop-off sites.
Carlton Williams, the city’s director of clean and green services, advised residents to recycle grass clippings into compost and suggested using garbage disposals for leftover food.
West Philadelphia resident Jack Day voiced skepticism about the practicality of the drop-off sites for many residents without vehicles, emphasizing the likelihood of trash accumulation.
Scott Slade, a retired correctional officer and member of DC33, took initiative by delivering his and his neighbors’ trash to one of the drop-off sites, acknowledging the necessity of such facilities during the ongoing disruptions.
As the strike continues, the city is taking legal action to force some union members back to work.
On Tuesday, city officials filed requests for preliminary injunctions in the Court of Common Pleas regarding the strike, aiming to ensure essential services remain operational.
Andrew Richman from the Law Department confirmed that 911 call center employees have returned to work following a temporary restraining order.
Additionally, the city seeks orders to compel specific Philadelphia Water Department workers to resume key functions and is requesting picketers to refrain from obstructing access to municipal properties.
Parks and Recreation services are also facing significant disruptions as a result of the strike.
While the city aimed to have over 60 public pools operational by the end of next week, only 24 will be fully open due to staffing shortages.
Although city spraygrounds continue to operate, recreation centers have reduced hours and evening programs are suspended, though summer camps proceed as scheduled.
Permitted events in parks may experience limited maintenance and cleaning services.
Despite the ongoing strike, the city plans to proceed with Fourth of July celebrations as scheduled, according to Mayor Parker.
However, residents may experience longer wait times when contacting emergency 911 call centers, which will continue to function albeit with reduced staffing.
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel reassured the public that officers are being reassigned to manage complaint calls but warned of possible delays in responses.
The Philadelphia Water Department also faces delays with many services due to the ongoing strike, although essential drinking water and wastewater services are expected to continue.
The city administration warns that repairs may take longer than usual due to a diminished workforce.
Most services under the Philadelphia Department of Public Health are also available, though some specific health center services may be delayed or temporarily unavailable.
The Parker administration indicated that patients with upcoming appointments would be notified regarding any changes.
This story is evolving, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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