PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker says she still hopes to avoid a strike by blue-collar city workers but has prepared contingency plans if they do walk off the job. AFSCME District Council 33 is threatening to strike when its contract expires at midnight Monday.
Parker says the city will open 63 drop-off centers where residents can take trash in the event of a strike by DC 33. Trash pile-up on the street was the biggest impact the last time DC 33 went on strike, nearly 40 years ago, so advanced planning to prevent a similar situation was a priority.
“If the work stoppage lingers and more sites are needed, we will be expanding to additional locations, and we will be monitoring to assure there are enough dumpsters at each site,” Parker said.
Another priority area is the 911 call center. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel says it will continue operating throughout a strike.
“We’ve been training for weeks now in preparation to be able to move our personnel from the street into our 911 center. We have about 200 officers from a pool of officers we’ll be pulling into the 911 center,” Bethel said.
And City Representative Jazelle Jones urged residents and visitors to keep their Fourth of July plans.
“Philadelphia’s Independence Day traditions will continue, and we are moving forward,” Jones said.
Talks broke down after a day-long session that started on Sunday. Parker says she wants to get back to the negotiating table and avert a strike.
To find a drop-off center near you, click here.
Just hours before Monday's deadline, DC 33 members and supporters gathered for a solidarity rally at City Hall. There, they discussed wanting to make enough money to enjoy the comforts they work to provide for Philadelphians.
"We got people that work and repair the water mains and can’t afford their water bill. We got people that repair the runways at the airport and can’t afford a plane ticket," said DC 33 President Greg Boulware.