Philadelphia is in crisis — both literally and figuratively. The infamous strike by AFSCME District Council 33 lasting more than eight days and four hours — a duration not seen since 1986 — created chaos across the city until the impasse finally ended on July 9.
This union, which represents sanitation workers, water and waste management employees and 911 dispatchers — went on strike July 1 following a dispute between union leadership and Mayor Cherelle Parker over demands for significant pay increases.
As NBC10 Philadelphia reported, Mayor Parker announced that curbside trash pickup would be suspended during the strike.
The city designated collection centers for residents to drop off their trash. However, union leaders have been accused of blocking access to these sites —preventing residents, who ultimately fund city services through taxes, from disposing of their waste.
This kind of behavior is outrageous.
According to the city of Philadelphia, AFSCME 33 workers earn between $25,000 and $59,000 annually. Meanwhile union leaders are pulling in staggering salaries.
Financial disclosures show that in 2024, former president Ernest Garrett made $282,337, while former secretary-treasurer Francis Halbherr earned $328,928 — paid entirely from union dues.
Unsurprisingly, current DC 33 president Greg Boulware declined to comment when asked by the press. The numbers speak for themselves.
In a recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, it stated that (P)arker heralded the deal as “good news,” while Boulware told reporters after negotiations,“(T)he strike is over, and nobody’s happy.”
Why isn’t this good news? Because, as the article continues, the deal includes a “…three-year contract with 3 percent raises each year, which was close to Parker’s original proposal and below the 5 percent increase DC 33 was striking for.
The contract, which will apply retroactively to July 1, also includes a one-time $1,500 bonus and the establishment of a fifth step in the union pay scale, likely increasing wages for veteran members by roughly 2 percent.”
This is a deeply disappointing outcome. DC 33’s negotiation was nothing short of atrocious. After stirring national attention and straining relations across the city, this was the best they could do?
Why would anyone remain a member of this union? Philadelphia’s public workers deserve better.
The entire city is frustrated — with good reason. And yet DC 33 leaders continue to collect six-figure salaries funded by your dues, while failing to deliver meaningful results.
If you’re a member of DC 33, now is the time to reconsider. Opting out could mean an immediate pay increase by no longer funding a leadership team that doesn’t fight effectively for your interests.
Philadelphia deserves better — from its unions, and from everyone entrusted to serve the public good.
