PHILADELPHIA — Almost 10,000 metropolis employees in Philadelphia who accumulate trash, reply 911 calls, keep metropolis swimming pools and carry out different jobs went on strike Tuesday after contract negotiations broke down.
District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Workers introduced the strike on its Fb web page early Tuesday, saying “HOLD THE LINES.”
Mayor Cherelle Parker mentioned the town would droop residential trash assortment, shut some metropolis swimming pools and shorten recreation middle hours, however vowed to maintain the town working. Police and firefighters usually are not on strike.
Parker, a pro-labor Democrat, promised that Fourth of July celebrations within the nation’s birthplace would go on as standard.
“Maintain your vacation plans. Do not depart the town,” she mentioned at a Monday afternoon information convention that adopted hours of last-minute negotiations.
Parker mentioned in an announcement early Tuesday that the town had “put its greatest supply on the desk” however District Council 33 hadn’t accepted it.
“The Metropolis of Philadelphia stays dedicated to reaching a good and fiscally accountable contract with our municipal employees who’re part of DC 33,” Parker mentioned. “We’re prepared, prepared and capable of resume negotiations with the union at their comfort.”
Metropolis officers urged residents to be affected person and never grasp up ought to they should name both 911 or the town’s non-emergency helpline. They mentioned they might open drop-off websites for residential trash.
Parker mentioned she had provided raises that quantity to 13% over her four-year time period and added a fifth step to the pay scale to align with different unionized employees. District Council 33 is the most important of 4 unions representing metropolis employees.
Union leaders, of their preliminary contract proposal, requested for 8% annual raises every year of the three-year contract, together with cost-of-living hikes and bonuses of as much as $5,000 for individuals who labored via the pandemic. The union additionally requested the town to pay the complete value of worker well being care, or $1,700 per individual per thirty days.
“District Council 33’s members contribute as a lot blood, sweat and tears as does anybody else,” they mentioned in a requirement letter. “All of us make the town work. Our contract should replicate that actuality.”
In November, the town transit system averted a strike when the events agreed to a one-year contract with 5% raises.
