Updated Saturday, 10:45 a.m.
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A marathon negotiating session between Philadelphia’s blue-collar union and the Parker administration ended late Friday night with no agreement. The union says it is moving forward with plans to go on strike Tuesday after its current contract expires at midnight on Monday.
In a Facebook post, District Council 33 stated that progress had been made on some minor contract issues, but the two sides remain far apart on key items, like wages and health care benefits.
“The city remains firm on its stance and is still unwilling to present a financial offer that meets our expectations,” the post read.
The union says its 9,000 members, including sanitation workers, prison and airport staff, have long been underpaid, and they are hoping to make big gains with this contract.
“We are paid amongst the lowest 25% for public sector workers in the entire country, and that’s something sad that needs to change,” said DC 33 President Greg Boulware.
In a social media message, Mayor Cherelle Parker said she’s offered 12% in raises over her first four-year term, with no changes to health benefits.
Parker has created a half-billion-dollar reserve for new contracts with all four unions. Boulware believes taxpayers will side with DC 33 in its quest for their share of that.
“I absolutely think we have got the empathetic ear of the citizens of Philadelphia because fighting for this is fighting for them as well,” Parker said. “We’re trying to make sure city services stay intact and that we’re fully staffed.”
Contracts for all four unions expire at midnight Monday. Police and firefighters are forbidden from striking. Their contracts are sure to go to arbitration. The white collar union, District Council 47, has not called a strike vote.
But DC 33 has the most leverage because it represents trash collectors. During the last DC 33 strike, in July 1986, tons of garbage piled up on city streets, creating a smelly eyesore during what is normally the busiest time of year for tourism.