PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Talks have been set to resume Wednesday between Philadelphia and its striking blue-collar workers union. The two sides have remained far apart on the key issue of wages, but there’s a non-economic issue that’s a sticking point, too.
District Council 33 President Greg Boulware said the union would like to get rid of the residency requirement, which says people who work for the city must live in the city. Instead, the union suggests members should be able to move outside of the city after 10 years of employment.
“Grown men and women who provide the great services they do to the city of Philadelphia should be able to determine where they live. The vast majority will still choose to live in the city of Philadelphia but you should have the latitude to be able to do what’s best for you and your family,” Boulware said.
Parker, however, called that ask a no-go. “Long before I became the mayor, I have always been a strong advocate for residency for our municipal workers,” she said, indicating that she hasn’t even considered giving up that requirement.
Police and firefighters won the right to move outside the city after five years of service through arbitration a decade ago, but Parker said she believes the residency requirement improves service delivery and the city’s diversity. She also said she is working to make the city more affordable to blue collar workers through her HOME project to add or save 30,000 units of housing.
“What mayor in the history of the city has ever fought hard to make sure our municipal employees have access to these programs? I’ll wait,” Parker said.
Boulware said that was fine but didn’t address the fact that his members also struggle to afford food and utilities, which is why he says a substantial raise is needed. The union is looking for 20% over four years. The city has offered less than 9% over three years.