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Mayors

Philly's City Worker Strike Enters Fifth Day Amid Fading Hope for Deal

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The strike, which involves over 9,000 members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33, began on Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. and has seen few concessions from either side. Despite increased hope on Friday after union leader Greg Boulware sent a new proposal to the administration, talks broke off on Saturday without a deal. The city has offered a three-year contract with annual raises of no more than 3%, while the union has proposed a four-year contract with raises of 5% per year. With tensions rising, Democratic City Committee Chair Bob Brady has called on both sides to "check their freaking ego at the door" and reach a deal.

Key Takeaways:

  • The strike, which began on Tuesday, involves over 9,000 members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33.
  • The city has offered a three-year contract with annual raises of no more than 3%, while the union has proposed a four-year contract with raises of 5% per year.
  • Union leader Greg Boulware sent a new proposal to the administration on Friday, but talks broke off on Saturday without a deal.
  • Democratic City Committee Chair Bob Brady has called on both sides to "check their freaking ego at the door" and reach a deal.
  • The city is also negotiating with AFSCME District Council 47, which represents roughly 3,000 white-collar city workers, including professionals and supervisors.
  • The white-collar union cannot legally join their AFSCME colleagues on the picket line until after their current deal ends and their strike-authorization vote concludes on July 15.

Statistics:

  • Over 9,000 members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33 are on strike.
  • The city has 3,000 white-collar city workers, including professionals and supervisors, also negotiating a new contract with AFSCME District Council 47.
  • The strike has entered its fifth day, with no deal in sight.

Sources:

  • "Mayor's spokesperson Joe Grace, quoted in an interview" (no date)
  • "Greg Boulware, union leader, quoted in an interview" (no date)
  • "Bob Brady, Democratic City Committee Chair, quoted in an interview" (no date)
  • Philadelphia Inquirer, "Philly's first city worker strike since 1986: Fears of 'bugs, rats and roaches'" (no date)
  • Twitter, "Philly's first city worker strike since 1986: Fears of 'bugs, rats and roaches'" (no date)

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