Union challenges Philadelphia’s full-time office return mandate for city workers

A Philadelphia city employee union has petitioned a judge to halt Mayor Cherelle Parker’s mandate requiring full-time office returns by July 15.

On Monday, Parker announced her intention to enhance government visibility and accessibility by ending the city’s remote work policy implemented in 2021, returning employees to pre- pandemic schedules.

“Employee presence at the workplace allows for more personal and productive interactions,” said Parker during an announcement held at City Hall.

“It facilitates communication . It promotes social connections as well as collaboration, innovation and inclusion.”

District Council 47 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees filed a lawsuit claiming that this mandate violates their contract and will negatively impact city workers.

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

They criticized the decision for being unilaterally imposed rather than being negotiated through collective bargaining .

They further argue that the city lacks enough office space to accommodate all employees.

In a statement, Local President David Wilson voiced concerns that the policy would worsen the city’s worker shortage post-pandemic and complicate parents' schedules during summer break.

“It has become clearer than ever that the mayor doesn’t care for her city workforce,” Wilson said. “Her actions speak louder than words.”

On the other hand, business leaders welcomed the announcement, stating it would benefit workers and enhance the vitality of Philadelphia’s downtown.

According to Parker, approximately 80% of the city’s 26,000 employees have been working fully on-site since last year.

She said the remaining employees have worked on-site for 31-75 hours per pay period, noting that former Mayor Jim Kenney had delegated hybrid work decisions to department heads.

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In addition, Parker mentioned her administration does not consider the new policy subject to collective bargaining.

She also highlighted worker-friendly changes such as extending paid parental leave and establishing the Friday after Thanksgiving as a holiday , alongside flexible sick leave policies for family caregiving.