City outlines contingency plans for essential services while negotiations continue
[VT – PHILADELPHIA, ] June 30, 2025 – Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and senior city officials today announced comprehensive contingency plans for a potential District Council 33 (DC33) worker strike, while emphasizing ongoing efforts to reach a “fair and fiscally responsible” contract before tonight’s midnight deadline.
Negotiation Status
Mayor Parker revealed the city’s final offer includes:
- A 13% wage increase over four years – characterized as “the largest offered by any mayor in 30 years”
- Creation of a fifth pay step to address career salary progression limits
- Highlighted 1,829 new DC33 positions filled since December 2023 (53.3% workforce increase), including 731 correctional officers
“We remain at the table prepared to negotiate as long as it takes,” Parker stated, while acknowledging the city is “fully prepared for any potential work stoppage.”
Critical Service Contingencies
🗑️ Trash & Recycling (Effective July 1)
- NO curbside collection of trash/recycling
- 63 temporary drop-off sites open June 30 at 5 PM (then 6 AM-10 PM Mon-Sat)
- 6 Sanitation Convenience Centers open daily 6 AM-10 PM
- Residents must:→ Use sites ONLY on normal collection days→ Bag all trash (no bulk items)→ Check phila.gov/sanitation for locations
🚨 Public Safety
- 911 call centers operational with 200 police officers supplementing staff
- “Expect longer wait times – do not hang up,” Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel urged
- Police patrols, fire, and EMS services maintained
💧 Water Department
- Core water services to continue
- Delays expected for main breaks, repairs (prioritizing emergencies)
- Report issues: 215-685-6300 or phila.gov/waterbill
🏊 Parks & Recreation
- Only 25 of 62 pools will open (list at phila.gov/parksandrec)
- Spraygrounds operational
- Recreation centers open 9 AM-5 PM (no evening programs)
- Summer camps and cooling centers remain open
🎆 Major Events
All July 4 celebrations and FIFA World Cup matches will proceed as scheduled. “Keep your holiday plans,” urged City Representative Jazelle Jones.
Public Coordination
- Real-time updates: Text “READYPHIL” to 888-777
- Information hub: phila.gov/sanitation with interactive map
- Hotline: Call 311 for assistance
- OEM Director Dominick Mireles confirmed Emergency Operations Center activated 24/7
Salary Controversy Addressed
Mayor Parker forcefully denied rumors about salary increases: “I entered office at the same $261,497 salary as Mayor Kenney. The 3.14% adjustment I received in July 2024 was a standard COLA mandated by 2003 legislation – before I held elected office.”
Ongoing Negotiations
With talks continuing, Parker struck a hopeful tone: “I’m an eternal optimist. We value our DC33 colleagues who keep Philadelphia running.” The city’s final offer remains on the table as the midnight contract expiration approaches.
Residents are advised to monitor official channels for service updates.
Key officials present:
- Mayor Cherelle L. Parker
- Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel, Philadelphia Police Department
- Adam Thiel, Managing Director, City of Philadelphia
- Carlton Williams, Director, Clean & Green Initiatives
- Dominick Mireles, Director, Office of Emergency Management
- Sinceré Harris, Chief Deputy Mayor
- Jazelle Jones, City Representative & Director of Special Events
- City leadership and department heads
