Catherwood LibraryILR School

Thousands of Philadelphia municipal workers are off the job as a citywide strike continues, disrupting essential services like trash pickup, recreation center hours, and 911 dispatch. The walkout, led by AFSCME District Council 33, stems from stalled contract talks over wages, benefits, and working conditions. While the city has offered a 13% raise over four years, union members argue it's not enough to address the rising cost of living. With no new negotiations scheduled, the labor standoff highlights growing tensions over public-sector compensation and respect for frontline workers.