Overview

• More than 9,000 AFSCME DC33 sanitation and other municipal workers struck June 30 to press for an 8% annual wage increase against the city’s 7% three-year offer.
• Trash collection has been suspended for three days, leaving piles of uncollected garbage that 63 temporary drop-off sites have struggled to contain, prompting several relocations.
• A court injunction against obstructing sanitation vehicles has seen spotty enforcement as some union members jam locks, slash tires and harass residents.
• Health officials and pest experts warn that accumulating waste in summer heat is attracting rodents and insects that could spread disease.
• City–union talks remain deadlocked with no agreement reached, putting Mayor Cherelle Parker under growing political pressure to resolve the strike.