PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia officials will return to the negotiating table with the striking blue collar workers union on Tuesday. Union officials say they'll put a new proposal on the table.
AFSCME District Council 33 picketers at the Port Richmond sanitation center received a morale boost Monday from AFSCME International President Lee Saunders, who told them to stay strong.
“You are not alone. AFSCME family stands with you, and that includes financial support from Washington, DC. We will help you win this fight. We have to make our voices heard,” Saunders said.
With the first week of the strike coming to a close, workers are facing the loss of a paycheck, but local President Greg Boulware says workers are willing to sacrifice.
“Our resolve is strong. Our feet are planted. My men and women are out here busting their hump, staying strong,” Boulware said.
DC 33's most recent offer was a three-year agreement with 5% raises every year, down from 20% over four years, but Boulware says he's adjusted that for the new negotiating session.
“We are still in that neighborhood. I would rather not disclose it because the city has not received our offer yet,” he said.
The city's last offer was for 8.75% over three years. As the strike ends its first week, both sides appear ready to hold out for what they want.
City officials, meanwhile, are getting complaints about foul odors and unsanitary conditions at collection centers. Clean and Green Commissioner Carlton Williams says they're bringing in extra equipment to keep them clean, but asked citizens for help.
“Do not place trash outside of these dumpsters. It causes a condition and slows us down in the collection process,” he said.
Williams says police arrested a business owner dumping chicken parts and oil at one of the centers. He warned that the city will prosecute anyone abusing the dump sites.