Union files lawsuit over return-to-office policy for Philadelphia city workers

A union that represents thousands of Philadelphia city employees asked a judge Tuesday to block Mayor Cherelle Parker's requirement that they return to their offices full-time as of July 15.

The lawsuit, filed by District Council 47 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), claims the mandate violates its contract and will harm city workers.

Union presidents of Local 2186 and 2187 posted on Facebook, stating why they filed the lawsuit.

"We are placing this decision in the hands of a judge and asking that no one be returned to the office until this disagreement is processed through the proper channels, highlighted in our contracts," said David Wilson with AFSCME District Council 47 and Local 2187.

The union, which represents 6,000 administrative and supervisory employees, also filed an unfair practices complaint with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board.

Parker announced the mandate in May , saying she wanted to create a more visible and accessible government.

"This is just a part of the process that we're going through, but I have a healthy respect and admiration for the men and woman who make up our municipal workforce, and they go to work every day to keep our city moving," Parker noted.

The decision ended the city's virtual work policy, put in place in 2021, and essentially returns employee scheduling to what it was before the coronavirus pandemic.

About 80% of the city's 26,000 employees have been working fully on-site since last year, while the rest have worked on site 31 to 75 hours per pay period, Parker said.

Former Mayor Jim Kenney had left hybrid work decisions up to department heads.

RELATED: Philadelphia city employees must work on-site 5 days per week starting this summer

The union sharply criticized the decision when it was announced, saying it was unilaterally imposed instead of going through collective bargaining. They also believe the policy will worsen the worker shortage the city has suffered since the pandemic.

They also argue that the city lacks enough office space to bring all employees back and that making the change over the summer, when children are out of school, complicates schedules for parents.

Parker, a Democrat, has said her administration does not believe the new policy is subject to collective bargaining.

"This is just a challenge we're going through at this moment and everyone has a right to their opinion," she said.

She also noted changes that were made to be more worker-friendly, such as extending paid parental leave from six to eight weeks and designating the Friday after Thanksgiving as a holiday.

Officials have also said there will be relaxed restrictions on sick leave to care for family members.

Business leaders welcomed the announcement, saying it will benefit workers and the vibrancy of Philadelphia's downtown.

City workers told Action News on Tuesday that many are conflicted over the issue.

"I don't agree with it," said Mark Smalls of Mount Airy. "Productivity is up with work, so I'm not understanding why we have to be out here five days a week."

"It's needed, it's warranted," argued Aeesha Mosley from East Oak Lane. "Because so many people have questions and answers and they can't get to it, because nobody's here to answer them."

Dionte Wade said the possibility of returning to the office full-time has made him consider looking for a new job.

"We are in a new day and age, so hybrid is almost the new norm, and going backward isn't something I'm looking forward to doing," he said.

Meanwhile, Parker says city lawyers are reviewing the lawsuit.

"Of course, they will read the suit and will respond accordingly, but the standard is the standard, and nothing about my position has formally changed," she said.

The union says it is still waiting to hear a response from the city. There is no word yet on when there could be a hearing for the lawsuit.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.