Philly’s white-collar city workers union, AFSCME DC 47, reaches tentative agreement with Mayor Parker’s administration.

A tentative contract agreement has been reached between the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 47 and the administration of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, avoiding the potential for a second strike by city workers this month. The negotiations, which took place overnight from Monday into Tuesday, concluded early on Tuesday morning, with the details of the agreement not immediately disclosed. The discussions were led by Deputy Mayor Sinceré Harris.

In a brief communication to union members, DC 47 President April Gigetts expressed optimism about the agreement, stating that members would likely find the terms favorable. Mayor Parker noted that the new contract, combined with a one-time 5% raise implemented for DC 47 employees last year, would equate to a total wage increase of 13.5% over the course of her four-year term.

Originally, DC 47 had proposed annual raises of 8% for the next four years. However, earlier city proposals included increases of 2.5% for the first two years followed by a 3% raise in the third year, along with a one-time bonus of ,000. Mayor Parker emphasized the importance of valuing city workers while maintaining the city’s fiscal stability.

The agreement must be ratified by union members before it takes effect. This development comes after the expiration of the contracts for the city’s two municipal unions, Local 2186 and Local 2187, which had been extended to July 15. Local 2187, which represents administrative assistants and professionals, is the only local authorized to strike and had been in the process of tallying a strike authorization vote that would grant union leaders the ability to call a strike if needed.

This situation reflects ongoing tensions in labor relations within Philadelphia, particularly after a recent strike by AFSCME DC 33, which represents over 9,000 blue-collar municipal workers and which lasted eight days. Their strike concluded with a tentative agreement earlier this month, and current ratification voting is underway among DC 33 members.

Despite initial frustrations in negotiations, the tone in recent discussions appears to have improved for DC 47. As the union prepares to communicate the terms of the tentative contract to its members, the city is expected to hold a news conference to discuss the agreement further. This development represents a significant moment in the city’s labor dynamics, potentially impacting the livelihoods of thousands of municipal employees.

Media News Source continues to monitor the situation as further updates are anticipated.