Trash pickup resumes, DC33 members kick-off contract voting

(WPHL) — Trash pickup resumes in Philadelphia after two weeks of delays following the District Council 33 strike that included sanitation workers. Monday also kicks off the voting for union members to finalize the new contract that resulted from the contentious negotiations between the city and union leaders.

The city is warning Philadelphians that they still might see delays in trash pick-up, and employees are driving routes where they might see a heavier-than-usual load to haul. 

Garbage began piling up on city streets ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Temporary dump sites overflowed, and neighborhoods saw trash bags left on the street.

“I got in this fight because people said they want to be engaged in a fight, and we absolutely were in a fight,” said DC33 President Greg Boulware. “We had actual and effectual change for many areas around this country where people supported us in many different ways supported us throughout this entire matter.”

For 8 days, Boulware and his team negotiated with Mayor Cherelle Parker on the terms of the new contract. They landed on a three-year contract with annual 3% raises, a $1,500 bonus, and an amended pay scale for longtime employees. 

While city employees are back to work, they still must finalize the contract; otherwise, negotiations will resume. However, Boulware warned his members they might not succeed in meeting the city’s demands.

“We come to the table with less strength than we started with, which means the City absolutely has the right to pull their offer and start the process all over again,” said Boulware. “I’m more engaged in this now more than ever.”

DC33 members have until July 20 to cast their vote on whether to finalize the contract. Results will be reported the following Monday.