AFSCME District Council 33 President Greg Boulware said in a video posted Tuesday that members deserve a wage increase that allows them to afford to live in Philadelphia. As of Tuesday morning, thousands of city workers have gone on strike. (Credit: AFSCME District Council 33 Facebook)
AFSCME District Council 33, Philadelphia’s largest city workers' union, followed through with their threats, as thousands went on strike Tuesday morning. The city is forced to implement contingency plans, including redirecting trash.
Until a deal is reached, the strike will affect many services around the city, including trash collection, water repair services and Health Center delays.
Negotiations between the city and the union continued up until the midnight deadline on Tuesday. DC 33 President Greg Boulware said the city’s wage offer still falls far short of the union’s demands.
Mayor Cherelle Parker announced the strike in a 2 a.m. social media post. In the statement, she said the city remains committed to reaching a “fair and fiscally responsible contract,” and in the meantime will focus on providing public health and safety services to city residents.
"The City of Philadelphia put its best offer on the table tonight,” Parker said in a statement. “Unfortunately, DC 33 did not accept it. The City of Philadelphia remains committed to reaching a fair and fiscally responsible contract with our municipal workers who are a part of DC 33.
— Mayor Cherelle L. Parker (@PhillyMayor) July 1, 2025
DC 33, which represents about 9,000 city workers, is asking for an 8% increase for each year of a four-year deal. The city is offering 7% over three years, meaning just over 2% per year.
Parker had promoted her administration's offer as the largest wage increase proposed by any Philadelphia mayor during their first term in over 30 years.
City employees represented by DC 33 provide essential services to the city, including everything from 911 dispatch, street repairs, trash pick up, airport services, L&I enforcement, Department of Public Health services, and more.
Members of DC 33 rallied at City Hall Wednesday night, calling for increased wages, pension improvements and healthcare benefits. The rally started at 5 p.m. and ended only hours before the Tuesday deadline.
"Our members just want the ability to be able to have some financial security living inside the city. We love the work that we do," Boulware said on Monday.
The union’s last strike in 1986, known as the “garbage strike,” lasted 20 days and left tens of thousands of pounds of trash piled on Philadelphia streets.
While emergency services will still be available, Parker has outlined a contingency plan, providing residents with continued access to essential city services.
The strike will suspend all trash and recycling collection services starting Tuesday. The city asked residents not to put their trash outside for collection.
There will be 63 temporary trash drop-off locations where residents can bring their trash. Residents can locate their nearest drop-off point on the city’s website through an interactive map and a color-coded map.
The locations will open at 5 p.m. on Tuesday and 6 a.m. the following days and will close at 10 p.m. daily. Drop-off locations will not be available on July Fourth.
To avoid excessive buildup, residents should only put out trash on their regular collection days.
Parker said the city will monitor the sites to ensure there are enough dumpsters at each location.
Recycling is limited to six sites. Due to safety concerns, trash pickup takes priority, and residents are urged to hold recycling as long as possible.
The city’s 911 call centers will remain active, Parker said. Operators will be available to take calls.
Philadelphia firefighters and first responders "will be doing their jobs all day and night, as always," she said.
Philadelphia’s emergency operations center is currently open and will remain open 24 hours per day.
City residents can receive updates on emergencies or critical information by texting ReadyPhila to 88877.
Parker said the Philadelphia Water Department has prepared for a workforce reduction by cross-training staff, ensuring "core drinking water and wastewater services continue uninterrupted."
Though residents may experience longer response times and repair times for issues including water main breaks, street cave-ins, open hydrants and clogged inlets.
Water customers can call 215-685-6300 to report issues, but wait times may be longer than usual. Residents can also pay bills using that number or at Phila.gov/WaterBill.
During the strike, meter work will be limited to urgent repairs or replacements for damaged or leaking units.
Parker said only 24 out of 40 pools will remain open. The city had hoped to open 62 pools by mid-July. A list of pools can be found at Phila.gov/PPR.
Spraygrounds will be available at recreation centers, which now close at 5 p.m.
Summer camps will remain open, though there will be no evening programs.
Cooling centers will also remain available.
The child abuse hotline will continue operating 24 hours a day, and child abuse investigations will continue as normal.
Prevention and other supportive services will also be available, Parker said.
The Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Center will continue to operate as normal.
The majority of Health Department services will be available. However, residents may experience delays or temporary unavailability. Patients with upcoming appointments will be contacted regarding the status of their appointment.
The department will focus on emergency repairs and “make-safe” work to address traffic hazards or disruptions. This includes inspections, partial closures, temporary fixes and relocating damaged equipment.
Report traffic infrastructure damage to 311. Call 911 for urgent issues like non-working traffic signals.
The Philadelphia International Airport will be open and operational, as airline, concessions and federal security staff are not included in DC 33. The strike will affect several airport sectors, including custodial, facilities and maintenance.
