Leaders of AFSCME District Council 33 have unveiled the expected payment schedule for any workers who have been waiting for their retroactive pay as well as wage increases.
In a statement to the union that was shared on their social media, AFSCME president Greg Boulware wrote that the payment schedule is tentatively set after weeks of continuous talks with Philadelphia leaders.
**Important Update Regarding Wage Increase Disbursements** pic.twitter.com/ou8pau2K5b
— afscme33 (@afscme33) September 8, 2025
When will AFSCME workers get their pay?
- Sept. 12: Most union members are expected to get their 3% wage increase.
- Sept. 19: The rest of the union members should see the 3% wage increase.
- Sept. 26 through Oct. 3: Wages considered “retroactive” will be given out to union members.
- If you are getting under $500, that amount will be included in your normal check and labeled as “retro.”
- If you are getting more than $500, you should expect to see a separate check during an off-week pay cycle.
This announcement comes weeks after members of Philadelphia’s largest labor union, AFSCME District Council 33 (DC 33), approved a new contract on July 21 with the city after spending a week voting to determine if they would ratify the deal.
DC 33, which represents about 9,000 workers in the city, had gone on strike back on July 1, 2025.
The union and the city agreed to a tentative deal on July 9, which gives a 9% salary increase for the workers union over the next three years of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s term.
President Greg Boulware had said that the contract was not the deal he wanted, having aimed for 5% yearly salary increase, but it was the best they could do at the time.
“However in my opinion and experts we have talked to, we go back to the table with less negotiating power,” Boulware said during a recent Q&A. “We come from a place of less strength than we started with which means the city has the right to pull their offer.”
At the time, the reaction from members was a mixed bag, according to Boulware.
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