Mayor Parker and City Officials Update on AFSCME District Council 33 Contract Talks: Preparing for Possible Work Stoppage Citywide

Philadelphia Faces a Potential Strike on June 30

As of June 30, Philadelphia may see around 9,000 workers from District Council 33 go on strike. This situation could impact essential city services, from emergency response to sanitation. City officials, including Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and Managing Director Adam Thiel, are actively working to find a solution and minimize disruptions.

District Council 33 employees play vital roles in daily operations, including:

• Emergency dispatch services for police and fire departments
• Trash and recycling collection
• Repairs and maintenance for streets and water services
• Airport services and maintenance
• Public health services

The union’s current contract expires tonight at midnight. Mayor Parker stresses the city’s commitment to maintaining essential services, saying, “Our priority is ensuring the well-being of our residents while respecting workers’ rights.”

In anticipation of a strike, the city is implementing a detailed contingency plan to keep services running:

1. Essential Services: Key departments like Public Safety and Sanitation are enhancing their operations to ensure continuity.
2. Communication: Residents will stay informed through social media, the city’s website, and local media about service updates.
3. Emergency Preparedness: The Office of Emergency Management is ready to respond swiftly to any issues that arise during this period.

Moreover, the city is encouraging all non-union employees to report to work as usual, and has outlined how essential services like 911 dispatch will continue to function. Mayor Parker has reassured residents that emergency calls will be answered, despite potential disruptions elsewhere.

For trash and recycling, the city will temporarily halt curbside collection starting July 1, but will provide 63 drop-off locations for residents to manage their waste. Guidelines are available to help residents navigate these changes during the strike.

Health and Safety Considerations:

Most Department of Public Health services will continue, though there may be short delays or rescheduling. The Water Department plans to prioritize urgent repairs while adjusting staffing to manage service delivery. Reports suggest that response times might lengthen due to limited personnel, particularly for non-urgent issues.

The Department of Streets aims to ensure safe transport, with staff focused on emergency repairs and monitoring traffic signals. Although some non-essential operations, like street resurfacing, may be paused, critical safety-related tasks will continue.

In the Parks and Recreation Department, only a limited number of pools are expected to remain open. Major events in park spaces may see reduced services, affecting maintenance and overall experience.

Philadelphia International Airport remains operational as most crucial personnel are not part of District Council 33. However, some maintenance activities may experience reductions due to workforce constraints.

Recent surveys highlight that about 76% of Philadelphians are concerned about the impacts of potential service disruptions. Discussions on social media reveal that many residents are anxious but hopeful for a swift resolution that balances worker rights and public service needs.

As negotiations continue, Mayor Parker and her team are dedicated to finding a balanced agreement that meets the city’s needs while respecting its workforce. They are committed to keeping the public informed and addressing any concerns that may arise.

For more updates on this developing situation, please visit the [City of Philadelphia’s website](https://www.phila.gov).

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