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Major Shutdown!!!
The Details:
Nearly 10,000 municipal workers in Philadelphia - members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 33 - went on strike on July 1, 2025, marking the city's first major city worker strike in almost 40 years.
Who is striking and why?
The striking workers include sanitation workers, water department employees, 911 dispatchers, city mechanics, airport maintenance staff, school crossing guards, and others.
Union leaders argue that current pay does not keep up with the cost of living and inflation, making it difficult for workers to afford to live in the city they serve. Union president Greg Boulware stated, “We got people that work and repair the water mains and can’t afford their water bill... We just want a comfort inside the city that we serve daily”.
What services are affected?
Residential trash and recycling collection are suspended. The city has set up 63 temporary drop-off sites for residents to bring their trash.
City pools and recreation centers: Only a fraction of city pools remain open due to limited maintenance staff, and rec center hours are reduced.
911 dispatch: Some 911 call center staff are part of the strike, leading to longer wait times. The city reassigned police officers to help cover emergency calls.
Other city services: Water department operations, airport maintenance, and some public health and inspection services are impacted.
School crossing guards at schools with summer programs are also off the job.
City response and legal actions
The city has sought court injunctions to force some essential workers, such as 911 dispatchers and critical water department staff, to return to work.
Mayor Cherelle Parker stated the city put its “best offer on the table” and remains committed to reaching a fair and fiscally responsible contract.
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