Tue Jul 01 10:40:00 UTC 2025: **Philadelphia Faces Service Disruptions as City Workers Strike Over Wage Dispute**

**Philadelphia, PA** – Philadelphia residents are facing disruptions in city services, including trash collection, as approximately 9,000 members of District Council 33 (DC 33), representing a wide range of municipal workers, launched a strike early Tuesday morning. The strike follows failed negotiations between the union and the city over a new contract.

DC 33 is demanding an 8% wage increase for each year of a four-year deal, while the city is offering a 7% increase spread over three years, which averages to just over 2% annually. Union President Greg Boulware stated that the city’s offer falls significantly short of what members need to maintain financial security amid rising living costs.

Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed disappointment in a statement, saying the city had put its “best offer on the table.” Despite the current impasse, Parker affirmed the city’s commitment to reaching a fair and fiscally responsible agreement with DC 33 workers.

The strike is impacting various vital city services, including:

* **Trash and Recycling:** Residential collection has been halted. Residents are urged to hold trash and utilize 63 temporary drop-off locations on their regular pickup days.
* **Water Department:** While core water and wastewater services will continue, residents may experience longer response times for issues like water main breaks.
* **Recreation:** Only 24 of the city’s pools will be open, and recreation centers will close at 5 p.m. Summer camps will continue, but evening programs are canceled.

Despite the disruptions, Mayor Parker has assured residents that essential services will continue to function:

* **911 Call Centers:** Will remain open and staffed, but residents are asked not to hang up.
* **Emergency Services:** Firefighters and other first responders will continue to operate.
* **July 4th Festivities:** Will proceed as scheduled.

The city has activated its emergency operations center and is urging residents to stay informed by texting ReadyPhila to 88877.

The last major strike by Philadelphia trash collectors occurred nearly 40 years ago. Negotiations are ongoing, and both sides have expressed a desire to reach a resolution that benefits both the city and its dedicated workforce.

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