Philly maintains water quality during DC 33 strike with cots, round-the-clock shifts, and overtime pay for workers.
In response to an ongoing strike by its workers, the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) is currently utilizing more than 100 supervisors to maintain operations at the city’s six water and wastewater treatment facilities. These supervisors have been operating in 24/7 shifts since the strike commenced last Tuesday, when members of District Council 33, affiliated with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, ceased work after their contract expired.
The situation has prompted a significant labor dispute between the administration of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and the labor union, with negotiations focused on what Parker describes as a “fiscally responsible” contract aimed at addressing the needs of the lowest-paid municipal workers. The PWD has thus far relied on higher-paid managerial staff to cover essential functions at the water treatment facilities, which raises questions about compensation disparities, as these managers earn significantly more than the striking workers.
At the heart of the strike is a demand for increased pay and improved working conditions. Contract negotiations have (so far) stalled, leading to the deployment of managers trained to handle emergencies at water facilities. City officials report that these supervisors are working extensive hours, sometimes exceeding normal limits, and are provided with accommodations such as cots and meals while at the sites.
City officials have confirmed that the supervisors receive wages at a higher rate than their DC 33 counterparts, with PWD management salaries ranging from ,000 to 6,000 annually, a stark contrast to the average salary of approximately ,000 for council workers. Reports show that as supervisors handle continuous operations, they receive overtime compensation. This compensatory structure, however, has led to criticism from those aware of the ongoing disparities in pay during the strike.
City spokespersons have indicated that preparations for such emergencies have been in place, with training offered to non-union employees ahead of the contract expiration. Current negotiations between the union and the city administration appear entrenched; DC 33 leadership is advocating for yearly raises around 5%, while the city’s last proposal included a scaled increase potentially amounting to an 8.75% total raise over multiple years.
As the strike enters its second week with no resolution in sight, concerns continue to mount regarding the well-being of PWD supervisors who are living in facilities for extended periods and away from their families. Negotiations are expected to resume soon, and the outcome remains uncertain regarding both salary disputes and labor relations within the city’s water management system. The situation underscores ongoing challenges in municipal labor relations and raises vital questions about workforce management in the context of public health and safety.
Media News Source
