Philadelphia city leaders and the union representing nearly 9,000 blue-collar workers reached a tentative deal to end an eight-day strike on July 9, 2025. The strike began on July 1 after union members failed to agree on pay raises and benefits with the city, halting residential trash pickup and impacting other key services.
After more than 12 hours of intensive talks, both sides agreed to a three-year contract including 3% annual raises and a new fifth pay scale step, retroactive to July 1. Union president Greg Boulware expressed that the union did everything possible given the situation, but acknowledged dissatisfaction with the agreement, noting that while the strike has ended, no one is pleased with the result.
The agreement ends the strike and is expected to restore city services quickly, though the contract still requires membership ratification and highlights ongoing fiscal caution from Mayor Parker.
