Updated July 3, 2025

*This post will continue to be updated as new information becomes available. Check back frequently.*

The City of Philadelphia is continuing to deliver essential services and maintain public safety after AFSCME District Council 33 (DC 33) began a work stoppage at midnight on July 1, 2025. DC 33 represents about 9,000 municipal workers across many City departments. The City remains committed to reaching a fair agreement and has activated emergency plans to continue providing core services.

This update outlines how city operations are being affected, what’s open or limited, and how to stay informed.

Click on the links below to jump to a section:

Emergency Services

911 Call Center

  • Emergency calls are being answered and dispatched, but you may still experience longer wait times.
  • Do not hang up if you call 911—your call will be answered.

Fire Department

  • The Philadelphia Fire Department is fully operational and continues to respond to fire-related and emergency medical incidents 24/7.

Non-Emergency Hotlines

Philly 311 (for non-emergency inquiries)

  • Call volumes are high. A recorded message will let callers know about current service delays and alternate ways to get help.
  • Staff are answering calls and handling inquiries submitted through non-call channels (online at phila.gov/311 or via the Philly311 app).

Trash and Recycling *UPDATED*

All Sanitation Convenience Centers are fully open and accessible for residents to drop off materials.

Curbside trash and recycling collection are suspended. Here’s where you can bring your trash and recycling:

  • Materials can be dropped off at the following locations:
    • Six permanent sanitation centers – open daily from 6 am to 10 pm. Accepts trash and recycling.
    • Over 60 temporary neighborhood drop-off sites – open Monday through Saturday from 6 am to 10 pm. Only accept trash.
  • All sanitation centers and drop-off sites will be closed on July 4.
  • Residents can drop off up to 8 bags of household trash on their normal trash day. No loose trash is allowed.
  • Please hold recyclable materials as long as possible. Sanitation centers are focusing on the health and safety of residents by prioritizing trash disposal.

Special Events *UPDATED*

Fourth of July celebrations will continue.

  • The full lineup of Wawa Welcome America events still includes:
    • POPS on Independence
    • Celebration of Freedom Ceremony
    • Salute to Independence Parade
    • July 4th Concert and Fireworks
  • City staff are working with partners to ensure a safe and fun experience for all attendees. For the full schedule, visit july4thphilly.com.
  • Know before you go! Click here for info on road closures, transit, & public safety info for July 4th festivities.
  • In preparation for the July 4th festivities, the inner lanes of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, starting at 20th Street, are closed to traffic beginning today.
  • Stay connected to important information from the City, like weather and event-related details. Text “AMERICA” to 888-777 to receive free Welcome America alerts from the Office of Emergency Management.

Summer Meal Programs *NEW*

The City and our partners continue to offer free meals to youth throughout the summer, helping to close the hunger gap while school is out.

  • Meals are free for all children and teens ages 18 and under.
  • No ID, income verification, or registration is required.
  • Most sites serve meals Monday through Friday.
  • Meals must be eaten on site at most locations, per USDA regulations.
  • Meals are available now through Friday, August 22.

Find your nearest meal site at phila.gov/food. Site information is updated regularly.

Water and Sewer Services

Your drinking water is safe. The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) continues full operations at all water and wastewater treatment facilities.

  • Some customers could experience service impacts, including longer response and repair times (for example, water main breaks, street cave-ins, open hydrants, clogged inlets).
  • Report emergencies by calling 215‑685‑6300.
  • Go to MyPhillywaterBill for bill payment and general account information, or call 215-685-6300 and follow the prompts in the main menu.
  • Water and sewer connection permit requests should continue to follow the previously posted instructions.
  •  The permit desk at Municipal Services Building (MSB) may be impacted by reduced staff levels. Construction projects will continue but may encounter delays until staffing levels return to normal.
  • During a work stoppage, no new meter appointments will be made, and existing appointments may be canceled or rescheduled.
  • Urgent meter work, including repairing or replacing damaged or leaking meters, is still available; call 215-685-6300 for those emergencies.

Streets and Traffic Services

  • The Streets Department is focused on ensuring road safety and emergency work, including inspections, repairs, and addressing hazardous conditions.
  • School crossing guards and traffic safety staff continue serving key intersections.
  • Call 911 for urgent issues, like broken traffic lights.
  • Call 311 for non-urgent issues, like road damage or unsafe roadway conditions.
  • Street resurfacing is paused.

Parks, Pools, and Recreation Centers

Service levels have changed due to staffing limitations:

  • Park gate access will be selectively prioritized by Rangers.
  • 25 pools are open, but aquatics programs are paused. Find a pool near you by visiting phila.gov/pools.
  • All 112 spray grounds are open.
  • Recreation centers are open from 9 am to 5 pm; evening programs and extended-hour services are paused.
  • Summer day camps continue as scheduled.
  • Permitted special events may face delays or cancellations if they require plumbing or electrical work.
  • When the City declares a Heat Health Emergency, cooling centers will remain open to help residents stay safe during hot weather.

Libraries *UPDATED*

Public Health

  • City Health Centers are open, but services may vary according to staffing levels. The pharmacy remains open.
  • Health Centers are referring lab, mammography, and x-ray services out to other providers.
  • Patients will be notified about any changes to their upcoming appointments.
  • The Medical Examiner’s Office is open to the public and funeral directors Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Call 215-685-7458 for more information; response time may be delayed.

Business Support

The Mayor’s Business Action Team in the Department of Commerce is offering support for business owners affected by the strike, including getting personalized help in multiple languages.

Revenue Services and Payments

  • The Department of Revenue at the Municipal Services Building (MSB) is open, but no cash payments are being accepted in person.
  • The Northeast and North Philadelphia satellite offices are currently closed.
  • To make a payment:
    • Pay electronically, when possible
    • Submit a money order or check in the locked drop boxes at the MSB
    • Pay real estate tax by calling 833-913-0795
    • Pay water bills online at www.phila.gov/waterbill or by calling 877-309-3709
  • Expect longer wait times for phone and in-person support and processing delays. For faster service, visit tax-services.phila.gov.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

  • PHL remains open and fully operational.
  • Flights, security, and concessions are running normally.
  • Custodial and support services are maintained by additional staff and contractors.

How to Stay Informed

Be proactive in your awareness. If you have specific concerns about how the work stoppage might affect you or your neighborhood, consider reaching out to your local representatives. They are available to answer questions and assist you as needed.

Consider checking these sources for more updates:

Moving forward

Both the City officials and union representatives are working diligently to resolve these negotiations. The aim is to reach an agreement that supports both our city employees and the services they provide to our community. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this situation together. Your cooperation is appreciated, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

Archived versions of this information can be found at our work stoppage archive blog post.

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