Philadelphia Workers and City Strike Deal, Ending 8-Day Standoff
Philadelphia Workers and City Strike Deal, Ending 8-Day Standoff
The eight-day strike by Philadelphia’s municipal workers, represented by AFSCME District Council 33, has officially come to an end following a tentative agreement with the city.
Mayor Cherelle Parker announced the resolution early Wednesday morning, marking the conclusion of the city’s first major worker strike since 1986.
The strike, which began on July 1, disrupted essential services such as trash collection, leaving piles of garbage across the city.
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The union, representing approximately 9,000 blue-collar workers, including sanitation workers, 911 dispatchers, and crossing guards, had initially demanded a 24% wage increase over three years.
The final agreement, however, includes a 9% raise over three years, aligning closely with the city’s earlier offer.
Union President Greg Boulware expressed mixed feelings about the deal, acknowledging the challenges faced during negotiations.
While the agreement fell short of the union’s initial demands, it includes a 3% annual raise and a new pay scale step for veteran workers, boosting their wages by an additional 2%.
The deal also builds on a 5% increase from a prior one-year contract extension, resulting in a 14% total pay increase during Mayor Parker’s tenure.
The strike’s resolution comes as a relief to residents and businesses, with workers expected to return to their duties immediately.
However, the deal still requires ratification by union members.
Despite the challenges, public support for the striking workers remained strong throughout the work stoppage.
This agreement marks a significant moment in Mayor Parker’s administration, as she navigates the complexities of balancing fiscal responsibility with labor relations.
While the strike strained relationships with organized labor, it also underscored the critical role of the city’s workforce in maintaining essential services.
