Philadelphia’s 9,000-Worker AFSCME District Council 33 Begins Strike July 1 Over Pay; Judge Orders 911 Dispatchers Back Amid Service Disruptions

Philadelphia's largest municipal workers union, AFSCME District Council 33, representing approximately 9,000 blue-collar city employees including sanitation workers, 911 dispatchers, and water department staff, initiated a strike at midnight on July 1, 2025, after nearly 12 hours of negotiations with the city failed to yield an agreement. This marks the first major strike of city workers since 1986. The union is demanding better wages, job security, and improved health benefits, with members earning an average salary of $46,000. Mayor Cherelle Parker proposed a pay raise exceeding 12% over one term, the largest offer in over 30 years, but the union rejected it and declined to continue negotiations on July 3.

The strike has led to the suspension of curbside trash and recycling collection, closure of many city pools, and disruptions to 911 call services, though emergency services remain operational. The city established 63 temporary trash drop-off sites to manage accumulating waste, which has begun to pile up in several neighborhoods, raising public health concerns. In response to the strike's impact on public safety, a Philadelphia judge ordered more than 200 911 dispatchers and essential water department employees to return to work under a temporary restraining order. Additionally, 31 members of the Medical Examiner’s Office were ordered back to work due to health risks from unprocessed bodies. Negotiations resumed multiple times during the strike, including a 12-hour session into early July 3, but no deal has been reached as of July 6, with talks ongoing. The strike has drawn widespread attention, including solidarity from national unions and public demonstrations, and has affected city operations during the Independence Day holiday period. Mayor Parker has expressed readiness to negotiate but has also emphasized the city's position amid the ongoing work stoppage.