Every hard working person, working for the City of Philadelphia . Should be able to make enough money to pay their bills ????
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 33, representing approximately 9,000 city workers, has initiated a strike. That has brought trash collection services in Philadelphia to a standstill. This marks the first major strike by the union in nearly 40 years, following unsuccessful negotiations with the administration of Mayor Cherelle Parker.
The strike began on July 1, 2025, after negotiations broke down over wage increases. The city proposed an 8% raise over three years, while the union is advocating for an 8% annual increase to address the rising cost of living in Philly. Union leaders argue that many workers, including those responsible for essential services like sanitation and water repair, are struggling to afford basic necessities in the city they serve.
“Workers who maintain our city’s infrastructure should not have to choose between paying their bills and putting food on the table,” said Greg Boulware, head of District Council 33. “We are fighting for fair wages that reflect the hard work and dedication of our members.”
As the strike continues, residents have reported significant disruptions, with trash piling up on city streets and temporary drop-off sites overwhelmed. The city has implemented modified services, urging residents to utilize designated drop-off locations for their waste. However, many residents are frustrated by the situation, expressing concern over the growing health hazards associated with uncollected trash.
The strike has also led to tensions between union members and law enforcement, as a court order prohibits striking workers from gathering in groups near city property. Despite this, union members have maintained their presence at sanitation centers, advocating for their rights and the need for fair negotiations.
Mayor Parker has stated that the city remains committed to reaching a “fair and fiscally responsible contract” with the union. Negotiations resumed on July 3, 2025, but as of now, no agreement has been reached.
“Phiily-News999 hope that both sides can come together to find a resolution that honors the hard work of our sanitation workers and ensures the health and safety of our community”.
The situation remains fluid, and both the city and union are under pressure to resolve the strike quickly to restore essential services to Philly residents.
Here are several ideas for how the city and sanitation workers can reach a compromising resolution to the ongoing strike.
By considering these ideas, both the city and sanitation workers can work towards a resolution that meets the needs of both parties while ensuring the continued delivery of essential services to Philly residents.
- Incremental Wage Increases
Proposal: Instead of an 8% annual increase, consider a phased approach where workers receive a 5% increase in the first year, followed by 7% in the second year, and 8% in the third year.
Benefit: This allows the city to manage its budget while still providing workers with significant raises over time.
- Performance-Based Bonuses
Proposal: Introduce performance-based bonuses for workers who meet specific targets related to efficiency, safety, and service quality.
Benefit: This incentivizes high performance and can help improve service delivery while rewarding workers for their efforts. - Enhanced Benefits Package
Proposal: In addition to wage increases, the city could enhance benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid leave.
Benefit: Improved benefits can help offset lower wage increases and provide workers with greater financial security. - Cost of Living Adjustments
Proposal: Implement a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that automatically increases wages based on inflation rates.
Benefit: This ensures that wages keep pace with the rising cost of living, providing long-term financial stability for workers. - Regular Negotiation Meetings
Proposal: Establish a schedule for regular negotiation meetings to address ongoing concerns and prevent future disputes.
Benefit: This fosters open communication and allows both parties to address issues before they escalate into strikes. - Community Engagement Initiatives
Proposal: Create community forums where residents can express their concerns and support for sanitation workers, fostering a sense of solidarity.
Benefit: This can help build public support for the workers and encourage the city to prioritize their needs. - Trial Period for New Policies
Proposal: Agree to a trial period for any new wage or benefit policies, allowing both sides to assess their effectiveness before making them permanent.
Benefit: This provides a safety net for both the city and workers, allowing adjustments based on real-world outcomes. - Mediation by a Third Party
Proposal: Bring in a neutral third-party mediator to facilitate discussions and help both sides find common ground.
Benefit: A mediator can provide an unbiased perspective and suggest creative solutions that may not have been considered. - Public Awareness Campaign
Proposal: Launch a joint public awareness campaign highlighting the importance of sanitation workers and the challenges they face.
Benefit: This can help garner public support for the workers’ demands and encourage the city to take action. - Flexible Work Arrangements
Proposal: Explore options for flexible work schedules or job-sharing arrangements to improve work-life balance for sanitation workers.
Benefit: This can enhance job satisfaction and retention while addressing staffing needs.
Don’t forget the Philly Mayor is trying hard to work with the City of Philadelphia employees and union. Keep an open mind people !
Philly News 