A major city is bracing for a Fourth of July weekend trash nightmare as nearly 10,000 municipal workers walked off the job, halting garbage collection and impacting key services, including 911 dispatch and airport operations.
The strike, led by AFSCME District Council 33, the largest blue-collar union in Philadelphia, began Tuesday after contract negotiations with the city collapsed.
Overflowing Trash, DIY Drop-Offs
With sanitation workers off the job, trash pickup has been suspended citywide, forcing residents to haul their own garbage to one of 63 temporary drop-off locations. Each household is limited to eight bagged items per trip, and recycling is being discouraged to reduce safety risks.
“Trash bags are piling up fast in the summer heat — it’s a serious public health concern,” one resident told local media.
City Services Cut as July 4 Nears
Mayor Cherelle Parker assured the public that Independence Day events will continue as planned, but admitted the strike has forced the city to reduce hours at recreation centers and close some public pools due to staff shortages…