Philly Worker Strike Continues as Talks Restart

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    PHILADELPHIA — On Wednesday, talks resumed concerning the strike by nearly 10,000 municipal workers in Philadelphia. Despite the discussions, a judge ordered some emergency service operators and essential personnel in the water department to return to their duties.

    “We are still very, very far apart. While it’s not solely about money, finances play a significant role, and there are many work regulations yet unresolved,” commented Greg Boulware, president of District 33, outside a designated waste drop-off site near the Delaware River.

    The union, which includes the city’s blue-collar workforce such as trash collectors, clerical workers, and security guards, has a substantial presence. Notably, the police and firefighters are not participating in the strike.

    In response, the city has paused residential trash services, closed some city pools and libraries, and reduced the operational hours of recreation centers. Nevertheless, Mayor Cherelle Parker has committed to maintaining city operations and ensuring that Fourth of July festivities proceed as planned in this historic locale.

    As residents ventured to the designated waste drop-off site on Wednesday morning, they found themselves amid the ongoing labor dispute. Striking workers lined the gates, and while some citizens turned back, others, assisted by police at times, proceeded to dispose of their trash in a single inactive garbage truck.

    “I didn’t want to cross the picket line,” expressed Steven Connell, 65, who was discarding waste for himself and an elderly neighbor. He anticipated a straightforward process and more available receptacles.

    “We’re in a tricky situation,” Connell shared, “I didn’t expect this.”

    City officials, during a press briefing later that day, cautioned the strikers against engaging in vandalism or intimidation. Mayor Parker assured city dwellers, stating, “We will weather this storm together.”

    The municipal offer of a three-year agreement includes annual increments of about 3%, which, according to Boulware, equates to just over $1,000 after taxes for members earning an average of $46,000 annually. The union is also advocating for leniency regarding the city’s residency clause.

    District Council 33, comprising the largest workforce of the four unions representing city employees, is pivotal in these negotiations.

    Mayor Parker insists the city’s proposal is generous, highlighting a cumulative 13% increase over her term—factoring last year’s 5% rise—and the addition of a fifth pay scale level, deeming it the most favorable contract offer in decades.

    “Their proposal fails to meet our members’ needs in living within the city,” Boulware indicated, “It’s inadequately addressing financial concerns.”

    On Tuesday, Common Pleas Court Judge Sierra Thomas-Street directed the return to work for 237 of 325 personnel at the city’s 911 call center, declaring their absence as a “clear and present danger.” However, these 32 fire dispatchers, five supervisors, and 200 police dispatchers maintain their right to strike outside work hours.

    Some water department employees were also ordered back to duty, given their critical role in ensuring access to safe drinking water.

    In a similar scenario last November, the city prevented a public transit strike by agreeing to a one-year contract entailing a 5% salary increase.

    History recalls the summer of 1986 when a District Council 33 trash strike ceased trash collection for three weeks, resulting in heaps of waste accumulating on city streets, alleyways, and drop-off locations. Connell, who recalls that period, dreads a recurrence.

    “It’s summer, it’s dramatically hot, and the situation could deteriorate severely if the strike prolongs,” he remarked. “Back then, trash was piled up at American and Allegheny (streets), with the stench extending for blocks.”

    Philadelphia isn’t alone in facing labor disputes. On Tuesday, over 400 waste management workers in a dozen towns in Massachusetts commenced a strike ahead of the July 4 holiday, prompting a buildup of trash.

    The bargaining breakdown between waste management company Republic Services and Teamsters Local 25 occurred as their contract expired Monday night, with workers demanding improved wages, benefits, working conditions, and paid leave.