Nearly 10,000 Philadelphia municipal workers went on strike Tuesday after contract talks broke down between the city and AFSCME District Council 33, the city’s largest blue-collar union. The walkout is disrupting trash collection, rec center operations, and 911 call centers. Workers are demanding higher wages, better health coverage, and bonuses for essential work during the pandemic. City officials offered a 13% raise over four years, but union members say it’s not enough to match rising living costs. The strike highlights growing frustration among public sector workers seeking livable wages and respect for their service.
See "Thousands of city workers go on strike in Philadelphia, affecting trash pickup, pools and 911 calls", Maryclaire Dale, AP News, July 1, 2025