PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Members of AFSCME District Council 33 will vote on the tentative agreement the union reached with the city starting on Monday, the same day that residential trash collection resumes.
The 9,000 members of District Council 33 must vote between Monday, July 14, and Sunday, July 20, on whether to approve the new contract. The union said votes will be counted on Monday, July 21, and results will be released that day.
In the hours after the tentative deal was announced on Wednesday, some sanitation workers were not happy about getting 3% raises each year when they were fighting for 5%.
The full terms of the deal were later shared, which include a $1,500 signing bonus.
Union President Greg Boulware warned that members could go back on strike if they vote the deal down.
It's been nearly two weeks without curbside trash removal for the city. Following the end of the strike on Wednesday, the city spent the rest of the week cleaning up the temporary trash drop-off sites.
Philadelphia residents Valerie and her daughter Erica said they understand the Workers’ need for a living wage; however, it was rough.
"The sanitation workers do work hard, and if they want more money, they should have it. They’re out here year-round picking up trash," said Valerie. "I live on the 19th floor in a condo, and I can still smell it in the air. It's horrible."
"Our air quality is very important, obviously and our quality of life," said Erica.
As collections resume Monday, residents should put trash and recycling out on their normal days.