Latest news with #DistrictCouncil33
CBS News
15 hours ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Philadelphia, city's largest blue-collar workers union to continue talks Sunday as strike looms, union says
The clock is ticking as we get closer to a Tuesday deadline when Philadelphia's largest city workers union is preparing to strike. Negotiations did not happen Saturday, but AFSCME District Council 33 says negotiations are set to continue Sunday. Thousands of workers from the union plan to walk off the job if an agreement can't be reached. Rec center programs, trash pickup and 911 dispatch could all be affected, among other services. As families celebrated community and culture at the annual Wadsworth Day festival, the looming strike was on the minds of many people. "They should be working hard night and day to get hard-working city workers a good, honest contract," said James Royster, who lives in Mount Airy. "I think we really got to be concerned about this clock ticking, first of all, and I really would like to see no strike, but I understand both sides of the table," said Donna Payne, who also lives in Mount Airy. Union wants higher pay, health care benefits District Council 33 represents some 9,000 city workers in services handled by the Sanitation Department, Water Department, Police Dispatch, Streets Department and maintenance at the airport. The union is fighting for higher pay and health care benefits. The workers plan to strike on Tuesday morning if an agreement is not reached. In a post on social media, the union stated, "The lack of progress on critical matters such as fair wages and comprehensive healthcare benefits remains a significant concern. These issues are at the core of our negotiations, and we are committed to ensuring they are not overlooked." On Saturday morning, Mayor Cherelle Parker said in a video on social media that her administration proposed a deal to increase workers' pay by more than 12% over her term. She called it the largest one-term pay increase from any mayor in more than three decades. She added that health care coverage would not be taken away. CBS News Philadelphia caught up with Parker at Wadsworth Day to ask about the ongoing negotiations. "I know that District Council 33 and my administration, they are at the table communicating and they are talking consistently, and we're doing our best to reach some much-needed compromise, and we're trying to get to yes for the benefit of the people of our great city. Thank you so much," Parker said. CBS News Philadelphia asked if any contingency plans were being made, but the mayor didn't answer that question. If an agreement is not reached, the strike would start at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday morning, which is only days before the city's Wawa Welcome America July Fourth Festival. Residents worry about trash piling up Donna Payne remembers the last time the union went on strike in 1986, when mountains of uncollected trash lined city streets. "That was not pretty, so I remember taking the trash to a place on Bellefield Avenue, and it was really rather disgusting," Payne said. With talks set to resume Sunday, union workers are also planning a rally at City Hall on Monday.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Parker says city has offered District Council 33 'largest one-term pay increase' in over 30 years
PHILADELPHIA - As negotiations between District Council 33 and the City of Philadelphia near a Tuesday deadline, Mayor Cherelle Parker says her administration has offered the largest wage increase of any mayor in their first term over the last 30 years. "Municipal workers who are part of Council 33 are among our most valued assets as a city," Parker said in a video posted to Facebook on Saturday morning. District Council 33 represents 9,000 city employees, including the sanitation workers, members of the water department, and 911 dispatch. They have demanded higher wages and pension improvements. The backstory The City of Philadelphia and District Council 33 have until midnight Tuesday to avert a strike after 95% of its members voted in favor of walking off the job until a new contract is reached. The strike would mean services across all corners of the city will be impacted. The work stoppage would affect rec centers, pools, libraries, the water department, 911 dispatch, airport workers and sanitation. A work stoppage could begin at the height of the summer heat and during the Welcome America Festival. What they're saying As high-stakes negotiations dragged into the weekend, Mayor Cherelle Parker said the city's current offer includes the highest pay increase for District Council 33 members in a mayor's first term in more than 30 years. "I am unapologetically a pro-union, pro-labor, and pro-worker mayor," Parker said. "I will always support the men and women in our city who pick up our trash, clean our streets, care for our most vulnerable citizens, provide healthcare to residents, run into burning buildings to save people, and put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve the people of our great city," she said. Parker outlined wage increases for District Council 33 members in a mayor's first term over the last 30 years, and claimed her 12% pay bump is the highest such raise. Ed Rendell increased District Council 33 wages by 5% in his first term as mayor. John Street dolled out a 9% increase during his first four years in office. Michael Nutter didn't raise wages at all in his first term. And former mayor Jim Kenney gave out a 11.5% raise to District Council 33 members in his first term. "That increase of more than 12%, it will represent the largest one-term pay increase for District Council 33 from any mayor in more than 3 decades," Parker said. In her first year alone, Parker said the city and the union agreed to a 5% pay increase – the largest one-year wage bump that the union has seen in three decades. "For an average District Council 33 worker, that meant an average annual pay increase of $2,383," Parker said. "If the workforce of District Council 33 accepts the proposal that we have already put on the table for them, their pay increase will total over 12%." The other side Mayor Parker hopes to avert a strike by making good on one of District Council 33's largest sticking points of wage increases. Union boss Greg Boulware on Thursday said they made "minimal progress on certain topics, but not enough to avoid a strike at this time." In addition to wage increases, District Council 33 has demanded improvements to pensions. What's next As the possibility of a strike that would grind crucial city services to a halt looms, sources tell FOX 29 News that department heads are preparing contingency plans. "Even if a deal does not take place, we will talk about plan B. I want to be optimistic that they will stay at the table because the City of Philadelphia does not want a strike," said City Council President Kenyatta Johnson. The 9,000 District Council 33 members could also be joined on the picket lines by members of the city's white-collar employees. AFSCME District Council 47 and its 3,000 workers are also in contract negotiations with the city.
CBS News
2 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Negotiations ongoing between Philadelphia and city workers union, District Council 33
Here's what is impacted in the City of Philadelphia if District Council 33 goes on strike Here's what is impacted in the City of Philadelphia if District Council 33 goes on strike Here's what is impacted in the City of Philadelphia if District Council 33 goes on strike Philadelphia's largest blue-collar union is set to go on strike next week, which could impact services, including trash pickup for people in the city. District Council 33 represents some 9,000 workers in essential services. Both the union and the city were in negotiations inside the Sheraton hotel in Philadelphia on Friday, hoping to come to an agreement. "As mayor, I'm an eternal optimist and I believe that we will figure out a way to get to yes, to reach some much-needed compromise here," Mayor Cherelle Parker said. Parker spoke to the standoff between District Council 33 and the city after the union's membership voted to authorize a strike earlier this month. "I just think that they need to give us a fair contract," said Ron Price, a District Council 33 union member. "Let the guys make some money because we're the ones that keep the city running." Workers are demanding higher wages and health benefits for all members. If the union and city do not come to an agreement, the strike will start on Tuesday. Workers with the sanitation department, water department, police dispatch, street maintenance and airport operations are set to strike. "Personally, I have a large dog we walk in these streets all the time," said Mara Hughes, who lives in Philadelphia. "So as soon as the trash fills up the street, my dog and I are in like a danger zone every day. Do we have to go to the emergency vet? Are we going to encounter something that's dangerous for [the dog]? It becomes a very toxic environment for animals and children very quickly." The last time this union went on strike was in 1986, and the impact was felt citywide. These photos from that time show mountains of uncollected trash lining the streets – a powerful reminder of what's at stake if a deal isn't reached. "My hope is that the city comes to its senses and negotiates in good faith and provides these workers with what they need," Hughes said. If a deal is not reached, the strike is scheduled to begin at midnight on Monday, June 30.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Philly's largest city union puts leaders on notice amid threat to strike
The Brief Philadelphia's largest city union authorities are putting the Parker administration on notice by authorizing a strike vote. District Council 33 says it agreed to a one-year contract extension in November 2024 with a five-percent wage increase, with the understanding it would continue negotiations with the city for a long-term contract. Its leadership says the city is now trying to low ball them. PHILADELPHIA - The largest union in Philadelphia, comprised of members who handle 911 calls, collect trash and more, is giving city leaders two weeks to reach what they say is a fair wage and better working conditions, or they will strike, having already authorized a strike vote. What they're saying "For many years, our members have been underpaid and undervalued, but we're the essential ones who make sure everything is done," District Council President Greg Boulware said. District Council 33 represents over 9,000 members. The union says those men and women keep the water flowing, make sure the airport runways are repaired and safe, handle 911 calls and haul trash. Without them, the union president says the city wouldn't be able to operate. "We touch every aspect of this city, from one end of the city to another," Boulware stated. "Our members are paid the bottom 25 percent for municipal workers in the country. That's sad. We're the sixth-largest city in the country." At a news conference Thursday, DC 33 leadership declared the two percent wage increase offered by the Parker administration doesn't cut it. "We need much more than we are currently receiving," Boulware explained. "We deserve much more than we are currently receiving. Our men and women work their ass off every single day." Several state representatives and members of other unions were on hand to show their support, demanding District 33 get the respect they say it deserves. President of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO, Danny Boulder, said, "One of the best ways to show someone that respect is in their paycheck." Tarik Khan, a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House, added, "On behalf of the Philadelphia Delegation, I want to say a two percent increase in salary per year is not acceptable. It's not acceptable." What's next District Council 33 announced members voted to authorize a strike. The union vowed to walk off the job if it cannot reach a fair settlement with the city by June 30th. "Thus far, it hasn't happened," Boulware said. "We'll meet any time, any place, anywhere, to make sure we can try to get this done. If not, unfortunately, we'll have to shut this city down." FOX 29 repeatedly reached out to the city for comment but have not yet heard back. Another bargaining session is set for tomorrow between city leaders and DC 33 leadership.
