After a day in court on Thursday, the fate of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s policy requiring all Philadelphia municipal employees to work five days a week in their offices remains uncertain.
City employees have been informed that starting Monday, they must report to work in person. The Parker administration states that about 80% of the city’s 26,000 employees worked on-site five days a week in 2023, with the remaining 20% working between 31 and 75 hours in person per two-week pay period.
MORE: Mayor Cherelle Parker stands firm on return-to-office policy as union’s lawsuit to block it heads to court
Lawyers representing the city and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees District Council 47 appeared in Common Pleas Court on Thursday to present their arguments. The union, which represents Philadelphia’s white-collar employees, is seeking an emergency injunction to halt Parker’s policy.
At the hearing, union members shared how their hybrid schedules allowed them to care for their families and manage their health conditions. Some cited issues like migraines, sensory sensitivities, and chronic illnesses that were better accommodated by working remotely.
Witness testimonies will continue on Friday before a ruling is issued by Common Pleas Judge Sierra Thomas-Street. Despite emotional appeals in court, the crux of District Council 47’s argument revolves around a contractual dispute regarding Parker’s return-to-office policy.
AFSCME leaders claim the city did not negotiate in good faith and that the policy violates the union’s contract. The city argues that it has the authority to determine work locations without union approval.
David Wilson, from AFSCME District Council 47, highlighted the negotiated terms during critical events like COVID-19, protests, and natural disasters that necessitated remote work. The union believes the city’s position on remote work changed without proper bargaining.
Mayor Parker aims to boost the city’s economy by bringing employees back full-time, while employees fear the impact on job retention and recruitment. Sara Gendel, an environmental scientist supervisor, shared her challenges with returning to the office due to health issues.
The union president, April Gigetts, emphasized the unity and determination among workers facing the return-to-work policy. Employees are exploring options like medical leave, ADA accommodations, and utilizing paid time off.
Despite the uncertainties, Gigetts reaffirmed the union’s commitment to advocating for workers’ rights through expedited arbitration and continued dialogue.