The sanitation strike in Philadelphia has entered its second week, significantly impacting the city’s waste collection services. Curbside trash collection has been suspended since July 1, 2025, leading to the emergence of large piles of garbage, colloquially referred to as “Parker piles” by some residents. The strike involves the AFSCME District Council 33 union, which represents approximately 9,000 blue-collar workers, including sanitation employees and 911 dispatchers, among others.
The ongoing labor dispute is notable for its use of social media, a factor that has not played such a prominent role in previous strikes. According to Francis Ryan, a professor of labor studies at Rutgers University and author of “AFSCME’s Philadelphia Story,” this strike marks a turning point in how labor relations are conducted. The union has effectively utilized platforms like Instagram to communicate their narrative, garnering public sympathy and support for their cause.
Historical Context of Sanitation Strikes in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has a rich history of sanitation strikes dating back to March 1937. During that period, a brief work stoppage led to discussions with the city administration. However, significant unrest occurred in September 1938, when over 200 city workers were laid off. This event sparked a weeklong sanitation strike characterized by violent confrontations as strikers sought to prevent police-escorted trash collection.
The demands of the strikers were eventually met, resulting in the formal recognition of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) by the city. This pivotal strike demonstrated the potential for violence and public health concerns arising from garbage accumulation on the streets. A subsequent two-week trash strike in 1944 was followed by a long hiatus in significant labor actions until the rise of sanitation strikes across the country in the 1960s.
One of the most notable events during this period was the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike, where African American sanitation workers demanded better wages and working conditions. This strike gained national attention when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. supported the workers as part of his Poor People’s Campaign. Following his assassination, the strikers successfully secured their demands, further empowering labor movements across the United States.
Current Struggles and Comparisons
In recent decades, strikes have become less common, but the current situation in Philadelphia reveals ongoing challenges. The average salary for AFSCME District Council 33 workers is around $46,000, which is approximately $2,000 below what is considered a living wage for a single adult in the city, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator. Sanitation workers earn between $42,500 and $46,200, or $18 to $20 an hour, which ranks among the lowest wages for public sanitation workers in major U.S. cities. In comparison, similar positions in Dallas offer around $21 per hour, while wages in Chicago range from $25 to $30.
The role of social media has transformed public perception and support for the striking workers. Individuals like former sanitation worker Terrill Haigler, known as “Ya Fav Trashman,” have helped humanize the plight of essential workers. This increased visibility has contributed to what some observers believe is unprecedented public backing for the strike.
Ryan attributes this heightened support to the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the essential nature of such jobs. Many people now recognize that if those providing essential services cannot afford basic necessities, it signifies systemic issues within the workforce. The ongoing discussions about funding cuts to essential services, including public transit, further resonate with the public and encourage solidarity with the strikers.
As the strike continues, it is likely to gain more national and international attention. The situation in Philadelphia could catalyze broader discussions about fair treatment and compensation for workers in essential services, making this labor dispute a focal point in the ongoing conversation about workers’ rights in the modern economy.
Francis Ryan, who provided insights for this article, does not have any affiliations that would benefit from this coverage, ensuring an unbiased perspective on the ongoing labor dispute in Philadelphia.
