District Council 33 may strike soon; union details and potential impacts outlined.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33 (AFSCME DC 33), the largest union representing city workers in Philadelphia, is poised to potentially initiate a strike beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday. This action could disrupt a range of city services as the community approaches the Fourth of July celebrations. With a membership nearing 10,000 individuals, AFSCME DC 33 encompasses various city employees, including sanitation workers and personnel from the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

In mid-June, approximately 95% of the union’s membership voted to empower their leaders to call for a strike if contract negotiations with Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration did not yield an agreement by the midnight deadline at the end of June. The union’s president, Greg Boulware, has stated that this decision follows around five months of stalled negotiations. A recent marathon session in an attempt to finalize a contract reportedly did not result in any agreement, leaving the status of negotiations uncertain.

AFSCME DC 33 represents a significant portion of the workforce tasked with essential municipal functions, including trash collection, parks and recreation operations, and public safety roles such as police dispatch. Despite being the largest municipal union in terms of membership, it is also noted for offering the lowest average annual salary—approximately ,000—among the city’s four major municipal unions, with a majority of its members identifying as Black.

The implications of such a strike could be profound. Should the union proceed with the walkout, residents may experience significant disruptions including the suspension of trash collection, delayed response times for emergency services, and reduced hours at city recreation centers. City officials have already drafted contingency plans to manage potential disruptions in city services. Although trash collection would be halted, the administration plans to establish 63 temporary drop-off locations for residents to deposit their waste.

Essential services, such as water supply, are expected to continue, albeit with adjustments aimed at maintaining operational efficiency. The city’s 911 call centers will remain functional, with personnel reassigned from other duties to ensure continued responsiveness. Recreation centers and summer camps will maintain limited operating hours, while the city assures residents that Fourth of July festivities will not be affected by any strike activity.

Historically, AFSCME DC 33 has a rich legacy in Philadelphia’s labor movements, having not gone on strike for nearly 40 years. Its last notable work stoppage occurred in 1986, leading to significant municipal disruption. Despite previous authorizations for strikes amidst negotiation tensions, the union has recently been able to secure contract extensions without resorting to work stoppages.

As negotiations continue and the strike deadline draws near, the unfolding situation remains critical for both the city workers and residents who rely on their essential services. The community and city officials await further developments as the July 1 deadline approaches.