Philadelphia waste collectors, city employees go on strike

The largest union for Philadelphia’s city workers went on strike July 1, with more than 9,000 city workers who collect waste, answer 911 calls, maintain city pools and perform other jobs striking Tuesday after contract negotiations broke down, ABC Action News 6 reports. As of Monday, July 7, striking city workers had not reached an agreement on a new contract, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. 

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 33 members are asking for an 8 percent increase in salary for each year of a four-year deal. The city is offering 7 percent over three years, which averages out to just over 2 percent per year.

RELATED: Updated: Republic Services employees across the US stage strikes

AFSCME District Council 33 President Greg Boulware tells Action News that the city isn't coming anywhere close to the wage increases the union wants.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker tells the station, “We believe it’s a fair offer and it’s still fiscally responsible for the people of this city.”

Residential waste and recycling collection is suspended until further notice, and Mayor Parker says the city’s Department of Sanitation will operate on a modified schedule. The last major strike by city waste collectors was nearly 40 years ago, Action News reports, and it lasted 20 days.