Philadelphia City Workers Strike 2025: How AFSCME District Council 33’s Walkout Impacts Residents and Services
With Philadelphia’s largest blue-collar union—AFSCME District Council 33—officially on strike, life in the city is about to get a little messier, a little slower, and a lot more complicated for…
Philadelphia skyline reflected on Schuylkill River at dusk, Pennsylvania, USA
With Philadelphia’s largest blue-collar union—AFSCME District Council 33—officially on strike, life in the city is about to get a little messier, a little slower, and a lot more complicated for everyone who calls Philly home. Let’s break down what this means for you and your daily routine, and why this strike is such a big deal.
What’s Actually Happening?
Nearly 9,000 city workers—the people who pick up your trash, answer your 911 calls, fix water mains, maintain the airport, and keep streets safe—are off the job for the first time in almost 40 years. The strike started after contract talks between the union and the city hit a wall. The union wants an 8% annual pay raise for four years and better health care, but the city is offering a much smaller bump—7% over three years, which averages out to just over 2% per year.
How Will This Affect You?
- Trash Collection: If you’re used to seeing your garbage disappear on schedule, get ready for a change. Curbside trash pickup is paused, and the city is setting up temporary drop-off sites. Expect lines, and maybe a bit of extra trash in your neighborhood. The six Sanitation Convenience Centers will be open daily, but only accept a limited amount of trash per resident and are prioritizing garbage over recycling.
- 911 and Emergency Services: 911 dispatchers are also part of the strike, which means longer wait times when you call for help. The police department is moving 200 officers to help answer calls, but patience will be key. Don’t hang up if you need emergency help—the city is doing its best to keep you safe.
- Water and Streets: Water main repairs, street maintenance, and airport service workers are all on strike. That means slower response times for water issues and less maintenance for city infrastructure.
- Recreation and Health: City pools, rec centers, and some health services will be impacted. If you were planning on a city pool day or a visit to a health center, you might want to check ahead.
- Other Services: Even routine things like Department of Revenue services, License and Inspection enforcement, and some public health operations will be delayed or scaled back.
What’s the City Doing About It?
Mayor Cherelle Parker and city officials have been preparing for this possibility for weeks, rolling out contingency plans to keep essential services running as best they can. Their priority is to “safeguard the well-being of our residents while also respecting the rights of our workers,” as Mayor Parker put it. That means redirecting resources, prioritizing public health and safety, and keeping lines of communication open with the union.
Why Now?
This isn’t just about wages—it’s about the cost of living in Philadelphia. Union president Greg Boulware has pointed out that many city workers can’t even afford to live in the city they serve every day. “We got people that work and repair the water mains and can’t afford their water bill,” Boulware said. “We got people that repair the runways at the airport and can’t afford a plane ticket”.
What Should You Do?
- Be Patient: Expect longer waits for city services and emergency calls.
- Follow the Rules: If you need to drop off trash, stick to the limits and guidelines set by the city.
- Stay Informed: Check the city’s official website for updates on services and any changes to the strike status.
Bottom Line
This strike is a big deal for Philadelphia—it’s the first of its kind in decades, and it’s going to affect just about everyone in the city. While the city is doing its best to keep things running, it’s up to all of us to adapt, be patient, and remember that the people on strike are the same ones who keep Philly moving every day. Here’s hoping both sides can find a fair deal soon, so we can all get back to business as usual.
