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July 28, 2025

A working class uprising continued through Fourth of July celebration week in Philadelphia, the “poorest big city” in the United States. After eight days of striking, sanitation and city services are back. We feature an in-depth interview with one of the strike captains organizing pickets and other union activities.


** Philly’s DC 33 Union Votes on Agreement to End Historic Work Stoppage
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American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 33 (DC 33), the city’s largest blue-collar union, launched a historic strike earlier this month, halting sanitation services on a scale not seen since 1986. Despite the pro-union image Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker wishes to project, legal injunctions were used to force many city employees back to work – creating pressure to end the strike. ([link removed])

“The city was trying to pick us apart with injunctions all over the place, ([link removed]) ” requiring water department employees, 911 dispatchers, and city medical examiners to return to work immediately, DC 33 President Greg Boulware explained in a recent interview.

Despite anti-union tactics and lawfare by the city, many strikers stood true to their purpose of trying to win better economic treatment on the picket line.

Unicorn Riot was able to speak with one DC 33 ‘Strike Captain,’ an unofficial point person informally designated by the union, about where things are potentially headed and how the strike went down. This interview was conducted on the condition of anonymity and represents their individual perspective and experience. Read in full ([link removed]) .
Strike Captain Interview: Philly’s DC 33 Union to Vote on Agreement to End Historic Work Stoppage ([link removed])

Failed contract negotiations led nearly 10,000 members of AFSCME District Council 33 (DC33), the union representing blue-collar Philadelphia city workers, to walk off the job.

DC33 represents an array of city service workers including librarians, sanitation, the water department, 911 emergency dispatch, school crossing guards, airport maintenance, and street maintenance.

Read our first report ([link removed]) on the strike, published July 8, 2025.
Sanitation & City Services Strike Continues in Philly Labor Battle ([link removed])

As we celebrate 10 years of independent, community-centered reporting, we need your support more than ever. The fight for the truth doesn’t stop — and neither can we. Donate today. ([link removed])
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