PENNSYLVANIA - Negotiations between Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration and AFSCME District Council 33, the union representing thousands of Philadelphia's blue-collar city workers, have yet to produce a new contract agreement, ensuring the ongoing strike will continue. The immediate impact of the stalled talks was felt by city employees Thursday, as a previously planned early dismissal was rescinded.
In an email sent to city workers, the administration confirmed the cancellation of the pre-holiday schedule change. “Please note that there will be no early dismissal on Thursday, July 3rd due to the ongoing strike,” the email stated, according to reports from The Philadelphia Inquirer.
This development signals that no immediate resolution is in sight for the labor dispute that has impacted city services, most notably trash and recycling collection, since the strike began after the previous contract expired on June 30th.
District Council 33 represents thousands of essential city employees, including sanitation workers, streets department crews, and various other public-facing and maintenance staff. The union has been advocating for improved wages that keep pace with inflation, better benefits, and safer working conditions.
Mayor Parker's administration has continued to negotiate with union leaders, but both sides have remained at the table without reaching the tentative agreement needed to end the strike.
As the city heads into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, residents are being advised to stay updated on the status of sanitation and other municipal services. The lack of a deal means that trash and recycling will likely continue to pile up, an issue that becomes more pressing during a major holiday week.
With the strike ongoing, both the city and the union face increasing pressure to find common ground and restore essential services to Philadelphia.
