June 13 – Philadelphia – Hundreds of state, county and city public service workers rallied today in Philadelphia to call on elected officials to stop the staffing shortages that have resulted from a refusal by the Administrations to fill open positions. Over 4000 public employees have notified the state that they will retire on or around June 30, which will exacerbate the problem if the Administration continues to leave these positions unfilled.

“The loss of so many state workers increases the caseloads for remaining workers, making it impossible to keep up with the demands of the workload and deliver quality services to the children and families who need them most,” said Roni Green, a caseworker at the Philadelphia County Assistance Office and SEIU Local 668 Chapter 12 President. “We have been hit very hard by these retirements as our most experienced workers are leaving in droves.”

Green pointed out that in the last five years Philadelphia welfare offices alone have lost over 300 employees without hiring replacements. That is over 25% of the workforce. Children and families in need are the ones who suffer most by not receiving timely services.

The rally and march began at 1924 Spring Garden Street and ended at the State Office Building at Broad and Spring Garden Streets.

Members of the Services Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 668, which represents public sector employees, were joined by members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and concerned citizens. Other supporters of the rally and march include the Philadelphia Building Trades Unions, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Unite HERE, Philadelphia Gas Workers, United Food and Commercial Workers and the AFL-CIO Joint Council.