Piles of trash overflowed in Philadelphia’s streets as a city worker strike entered its second week Tuesday.
According to FOX29 Philadelphia, Monday saw negotiations halt between the city and District Council 33, which represents approximately 9,000 municipal employees, with no further talks scheduled.
Residents have been adding garbage to the large heaps overflowing onto streets designated by the city as temporary trash dumping locations. In some areas, these piles spanned entire city blocks, emitting an intense odor due to the summer heat, as reported by the outlet.
“It’s disgusting. It’s making people sick,” one resident told the station.
But the union has so far refused to accept the offer for a fifth-tier pay scale and ability to take part in the city’s $2 billion housing plan.
As the trash piled up Monday, negotiations between the city and the union have stalled. (FOX29 Philadelphia)
Greg Boulware, President of District Council 33, called on city officials to return to the negotiation table and attempt to achieve some “meaningful progress,” although the union is firm on its demands for improved salaries and pension plans.
“We don’t move easy,” Boulware said from the picket line.
