Judge hears testimony in lawsuit over Mayor Parker's return-to-office policy for Philly workers

A judge is set to hear more testimony over the lawsuit brought by a union representing Philadelphia city workers over the mayor's requirement that all employees must return to the office.

Mayor Cherelle Parker is ordering all city employees to return to the office full-time starting Monday, July 15. It impacts about 20% of the city's workforce that remains on a hybrid schedule.

In court Thursday, union leaders asked for an injunction so they can go to arbitration on the matter.

The critical issue for the judge: is Mayor Cherelle Parker's mandate legal, or does it require collective bargaining?

Testimony will continue on Friday.

During Thursday's hearing, union leaders argued they have a provision in their contract that included alternative work schedules, which encompasses remote or hybrid schedules.

They say any mandate by Mayor Parker to require all city employees back into the office full-time should be collectively bargained.

"This is a mandatory subject of bargaining. The idea that we sat down and discussed alternative schedules, including hybrid, and now it's being unilaterally removed - that's the source of this issue," said David Wilson with AFSCME Local 2187.

The unions say they've been doing hybrid work for four years and it has worked. Doing away with it will affect child care, elder care, medical issues and work-life balance.

"We've been inundated with stories of fear, child care, elder care, being able to take care of their children, cook breakfast in the morning and see them off," said April Gigetts of AFSCME District Council 47.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Parker made it clear she is not backing down on her mandate .

She says the workplace is more productive, more personal, and allows for collaboration and inclusion. Parker calls it part of her pledge to make the city better.

"I am at war, Philadelphia, with the status quo here in the City of Philadelphia," Parker said Wednesday. "Trying to use every tool possible to do the best I can with what I have."

Union leaders say if they lose, they say they'll be back at the office full-time on Monday.