PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A Philadelphia judge ordered some striking AFSCME D.C. 33 members back to work on Tuesday, according to a court filing obtained by Action News.
The City of Philadelphia filed several injunctions with the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, the same day thousands of city workers hit the picket lines.
In the filing, Common Pleas Court Judge Sierra Thomas-Street ordered 237 of the 325 dispatchers back to work, saying their absence creates a “clear and present danger to threat to health, safety or welfare of the public.” This order does not prevent workers from participating in the strike during off-duty hours.
Judge Sierra Thomas-Street also required a limited number of essential Philadelphia Water Department workers to return. Lawyers said these employees are essential to fulfill its statutory mandate to provide fresh, clean drinking water supply to the City.”
Workers may still participate in the strike while they’re not on the clock.
The last injunction filed Tuesday put restrictions on picketing after lawyers alleged unlawful actions, including blockading at some city-owned properties.
MORE | Thousands of Philly workers strike; mayor says deal is ‘fair offer’
The order remains in effect until at least next Tuesday, when another hearing will be held.
AFSCME D.C. 33 members walked off the job at midnight after negotiations with the city stalled.
President Greg Boulware told Action News that the city isn’t coming anywhere close to the wage increases the union wants.
DC 33 represents more than 9,000 city workers who are asking for an 8% increase for each year of a four-year deal. The City is offering 7% over three years, which averages out to just over 2% per year.
Parker says the offer is more than any mayor has offered over one term.
Action News has reached out to the union for comment, but we have not heard back.
For more coverage on the strike, visit 6abc.com/CityStrike.
For a list of impacted services during the strike, click here.
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