AFSCME District Council 33, which represents thousands of city workers, including trash collectors, has walked off the job after negotiations didn't end in a deal. The union last went on a strike in 1986.
Here's what you need to know about the strike and how it is affecting Philadelphia.
Who does AFSCME District Council 33 represent?
District Council 33 represents about 9,000 city workers in services handled by the Sanitation Department, Water Department, Police Dispatch, Streets Department, maintenance at the airport and more. The union left negotiations with the Parker administration without a new contract in place.
"Sometimes in life, you've got to take a step backward to take meaningful steps forward," DC 33 President Greg Boulware said Monday morning before the strike. "And our men and women don't want to do it, and truth be told, can't afford to do it, we can't continue going down the road that we've been going for this many years. We have to see change."
What does AFSCME District Council 33 want?
The union is fighting for higher pay and health care benefits. DC 33 is seeking an 8% pay increase every year for four years and health care benefits for all employees.
AFSCME District Council 33, which represents thousands of city workers, including trash collectors, has walked off the job after negotiations didn't end in a deal. The union last went on a strike in 1986.
Here's what you need to know about the strike and how it is affecting Philadelphia.
Who does AFSCME District Council 33 represent?
District Council 33 represents about 9,000 city workers in services handled by the Sanitation Department, Water Department, Police Dispatch, Streets Department, maintenance at the airport and more. The union left negotiations with the Parker administration without a new contract in place.
"Sometimes in life, you've got to take a step backward to take meaningful steps forward," DC 33 President Greg Boulware said Monday morning before the strike. "And our men and women don't want to do it, and truth be told, can't afford to do it, we can't continue going down the road that we've been going for this many years. We have to see change."
What does AFSCME District Council 33 want?
The union is fighting for higher pay and health care benefits. DC 33 is seeking an 8% pay increase every year for four years and health care benefits for all employees.
Parker said the city is ready and willing to get back to the negotiating table as soon as possible to end the strike. She added that nothing will deter the city from delivering services during the strike, including trash collection.
"When in the history of the city of Philadelphia has a quality agreement, a fair and fiscally responsible agreement like the one that we just put on the table, that outside of that agreement, access to opportunities for home ownership, for home repair and to assist in rent – what mayor in the history of the city of Philadelphia has ever fought hard to make sure that our municipal employees had direct access to these programs?" Parker said Tuesday.
What happens to trash pickup in Philadelphia with workers on strike?
Parker said on Monday that Philadelphia residents should refrain from placing trash and recycling cans at the curb starting Tuesday with a strike in effect. She also urged Philadelphians not to dump trash anywhere illegally.
"Obviously, this is the topic that is on everyone's minds today. How will the city dispose of my trash if there's a work stoppage? If there is a work stoppage, the Department of Sanitation will be operating on what we refer to as a modified capacity," Parker said Monday. "There will be no residential trash collection or recycling effective Tuesday, July 1. We encourage residents, and we ask you to please refrain from placing any trash or recycling out for curbside collection until further notice."
Source: cbsnews.com
