Another in-office mandate has yet to face more opposition from workers as two Philadelphia unions sought an injunction to halt Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker's administration's implementation of a full return-to-work policy by July 15, the Court News reported.
As per the Philadelphia Tribune, AFSCME Local 2187 and Local 2186 are seeking court approval to negotiate the return-to-office terms. This matter requires bargaining between the city and the unions representing approximately 3,500 technical and administrative assistants and supervisors employed by agencies such as the Parking Authority and Housing Authority.
Philadelphia's City Mayor's RTO Mandate
Parker had advocated for municipal employees to return to full-time in-person work for months. However, the decision to mandate this by July 15 was only announced on May 20, less than two months before it was scheduled. This move aims to establish a more visible and accessible Philadelphia government.
While the union strongly condemned the decision upon its announcement, arguing that it was imposed unilaterally without going through collective bargaining, Parker asserted that her administration does not consider the new policy subject to such, AP news reported.
Having employees physically present at the workplace fosters personal and productive interactions, enhances communication, and encourages social connections, collaboration, innovation, and inclusion, Parker said in a written announcement.
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Parker believes that the RTO mandate for municipal and private-sector employees is crucial to revitalizing the Center City businesses post-COVID-19, given that only 85% of pedestrian traffic in downtown Philadelphia had been recorded as of May.
However, District Council 47 showed facts and figures showing how Philadelphia's downtown area maintained alternative work schedules with hybrid and remote work even post-pandemic. Center City ranks second to midtown Manhattan in office occupancy rates, serious crime has decreased by 17% compared to pre-pandemic levels, and residency rates have risen by nearly 40% since 2000, with 1 in 8 Philadelphians now residing in Greater Center City.
The Mandate Will Cause Harm to Workers
Approximately 80% of city employees operate exclusively from the office, as reported by city officials, with the remaining 20% working remotely part-time.
The mandate, which unilaterally overrides a 2021 mixed work schedules policy, has been strongly opposed by District Council 47 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. The lawsuit filed in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas asserts that this would violate the union's contract and circumvent necessary negotiations.
The union filed an emergency motion to block the mandate. It also lodged an unfair labor practices complaint with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, citing the significant harm it would inflict on city workers and service disruptions.
Nonetheless, Parker shrugged off the accusations and highlighted adjustments to enhance worker benefits, including extending paid parental leave from six to eight weeks, designating the Friday after Thanksgiving as a holiday, and easing restrictions on sick leave to accommodate family care needs.
In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for the Parker administration acknowledged receipt of the injunction scheduled for July 11 but affirmed that Mayor Parker's position on this issue remains unchanged.
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