Latest news with #DistrictCouncil33
CBS News
7 hours 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.
