Strike Enters Eighth Day for AFSCME District Council 33 in Philadelphia

Union workers from AFSCME District Council 33 striking in Philadelphia, highlighting issues with city services.

News Summary

The AFSCME District Council 33 strike in Philadelphia reaches its eighth day as negotiations between the union and city administration remain unresolved. Workers in various city departments demand higher wages and better health benefits, while the city’s offer falls short. Residents feel the impact with trash collection halted, and essential workers are being mandated to return to their jobs. The situation continues to escalate as both sides seek a resolution amid growing community concerns.

Strike Day Eight for AFSCME D33 in Philadelphia, With Talks Still at a Standstill

As of July 8, 2025, the strike initiated by **AFSCME District Council 33** is now entering its **eighth day**. The strike commenced at **12:01 a.m.** on July 1, with union members clamoring for higher pay and improved health care benefits. These dedicated workers belong to various city departments, including **dispatchers**, **sanitation workers**, and even employees from the **Medical Examiner’s Office**.

Negotiation Hurdles Persist

Initially, the union put forth a demand for an **8% annual pay increase**, but they have now tempered their request to **5% per year**. However, the city’s administration has responded with a much lower offer of **2.75%**, **3%**, and **3%** increases spread over a three-year contract. This proposal has not resonated well with the union, which feels it’s insufficient to meet their members’ needs.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Philadelphia’s Mayor has pointed out that her administration granted a **5% raise** to the union, touting it as part of a **13% increase** during her time in office. Nonetheless, the ongoing negotiations resumed at the **Community College of Philadelphia** on July 8 after a break since Saturday, reflecting both sides’ eagerness to find some common ground.

Impact on Residents and City Services

Residents have felt the impact of the strike, particularly with weekly door-to-door trash pickup services coming to a **screeching halt**. To mitigate the situation, the city has set up **over 60 temporary drop-off sites** for trash disposal. Unfortunately, these centers have reportedly been overwhelmed, leading to unsanitary conditions in various neighborhoods. Community complaints are rising as trash continues to pile up.

Court Orders and Worker Safety

In an effort to restore some level of normalcy and public safety, court orders have been issued, mandating certain essential employees to return to work. This includes **eight emergency dispatchers** at Philadelphia International Airport. Additionally, the city has obtained injunctions that require **31 Medical Examiner’s Office employees** and around **70 Philadelphia Water Department workers** to resume their duties.

Unresolved Issues Beyond Salary

Despite the ongoing negotiations, several work rule details remain muddled, aside from the core salary issue. The union’s president has openly criticized the city’s approach to these negotiations as **one-sided**. In fact, an unfair labor practice complaint has been filed by the union to address these grievances. There remains a general air of hope that progress can be made, but frustrations linger on both sides.

City Officials Call for Understanding

The Office of Mayor Parker has opted to pause the **2025 Oval programming** due to the labor discussions, requesting that residents show **patience and understanding** while temporary trash removal systems are refined. A judge has also granted an injunction that necessitates the return of **237 workers** at the city’s **911 call center** due to critical public safety concerns.

The Bigger Picture

A closer look at the negotiation offers reveals a significant gap between what the city is proposing—an **8.75% increase** across three years—and the union’s demand for a **15% increase** in the same timeframe. This disparity has raised concerns among residents, particularly when reflecting on past strikes, such as the significant **1986 trash strike**, which led to major trash buildup and public outcry.

While both parties remain optimistic at the negotiation table, the pressing issues surrounding salaries and work conditions remain unresolved. It’s a tense situation, but fingers are crossed that both sides can find their way back to the table for a compromise that serves everyone’s best interest.