A major city is bracing for a Fourth of July weekend trash nightmare as nearly 10,000 municipal workers walked off the job, halting garbage collection and impacting key services, including 911 dispatch and airport operations.
The strike, led by AFSCME District Council 33, the largest blue-collar union in Philadelphia, began Tuesday after contract negotiations with the city collapsed.
Overflowing Trash, DIY Drop-Offs
With sanitation workers off the job, trash pickup has been suspended citywide, forcing residents to haul their own garbage to one of 63 temporary drop-off locations. Each household is limited to eight bagged items per trip, and recycling is being discouraged to reduce safety risks.
“Trash bags are piling up fast in the summer heat — it’s a serious public health concern,” one resident told local media.
City Services Cut as July 4 Nears
Mayor Cherelle Parker assured the public that Independence Day events will continue as planned, but admitted the strike has forced the city to reduce hours at recreation centers and close some public pools due to staff shortages.
Emergency services are also impacted, with officials warning residents that 911 call wait times may be longer.
“If you call 911, stay on the line — don’t hang up,” the city urged.
Strike Triggered by Stalled Pay Talks
The union launched the strike with a “HOLD THE LINES” message on social media after Monday’s final round of failed negotiations.
The city’s offer included:
- 13% pay increase over four years
- Average annual raise of $2,383 per worker — the highest in 20+ years
- Retention bonuses for long-term employees
But AFSCME countered with a demand for:
- 8% annual raises over three years
- Cost-of-living increases
- $5,000 pandemic bonuses
- Full city-funded healthcare, which costs about $1,700/month per worker
“We put our best offer on the table,” Parker said at a press conference, expressing disappointment over the breakdown in talks. “It was fair and fiscally responsible.”
New Trash Plan in Place
To manage mounting waste, the city opened six full-time sanitation centers and over 60 additional sites open Monday through Saturday, with extended hours starting Wednesday at 6 a.m.
Officials advise residents to:
- Bag all trash
- Limit drop-offs to 8 bags per visit
- Delay recycling, if possible
Protests and Pressure Build
Union workers have staged protests outside City Hall and police headquarters, demanding better pay and healthcare.
“This is about dignity,” one striking worker said. “We worked through the pandemic — now we’re being asked to settle for less.”
The strike has cast uncertainty over city operations during one of the busiest weekends of the year — and with no deal in sight, the trash and tensions may keep piling up.
