The AFSCME District Council 33, representing approximately 9,000 municipal workers in Philadelphia, has officially initiated a strike as of 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. This action follows unsuccessful negotiations regarding a new contract, leading to significant disruptions in vital city services, particularly in areas such as 911 dispatch, trash collection, and water services.
Union president Greg Boulware confirmed the strike, noting that unresolved issues primarily revolved around wages and work policy. Some workers were observed leaving their jobs during the late hours, signaling the start of the strike. The last strike by this union occurred in 1986, after which and led to a week-long accumulation of garbage in the streets.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker had outlined plans to mitigate the strike’s impacts on city services. Following the breakdown in negotiations, Parker reiterated the city’s commitment to resolving the situation, stating, “We are prepared to stay at the table and negotiate as long as it takes.” She previously offered a pay raise exceeding 12%, marking the largest increase for District Council 33 in over three decades.
As part of the city’s contingency plan during the strike, trash collection will no longer occur at curbs. Instead, residents are encouraged to utilize six designated sanitation drop-off centers operating from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Similarly, 63 temporary collection spots will be available for residents to dispose of their trash in bagged form during normal collection days.
Mayor Parker reassured residents that key July 4th celebrations will proceed as scheduled, with events planned throughout the day. Additionally, she provided updates regarding parks and recreation, noting that while 40 city pools were operational, the number would reduce to 25 during the strike. Summer camps and cooling centers would continue to remain accessible.
The Philadelphia Water Department reported that it is prepared for potential service impacts due to the strike, with cross-training in place to ensure continued operations. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Police Department aims to manage the 911 service effectively, emphasizing that residents should continue to call without hesitation, although longer wait times may occur.
In light of the ongoing negotiations, all parties hope for a resolution that addresses the concerns of the workers while maintaining essential services for the city. This could pave the way for improved conditions and morale for the dedicated employees serving the community.