Philadelphia’s largest union for city workers, AFSCME District Council 33, voted Thursday to authorize a strike, and public services could be affected if leadership directs employees to walk off their jobs.

A union representing thousands of city employees, including sanitation workers, has voted to authorize a strike. This doesn't mean they're on strike yet but it allows union leadership to call one if necessary at any time.

Philadelphia’s largest union representing city workers officially authorized its members to go on strike if their demands for better wages are not met.

Bus, trolley, and transit operators in the city are currently working without a contract. The last contract expired at midnight on Thursday, but union workers held off on a strike as both sides decided to continue negotiations. Meanwhile, on Friday, the union representing suburban transit workers formally voted to authorize a work stoppage.

AFSCME District Council 33 is the largest union representing Philadelphia employees, covering over 9,000 members including sanitation workers. The union is looking for a long-term deal that includes salary increases while the city is looking for a 1-year contract extension.

Philadelphia's largest municipal employee union, District Council 33, has voted to authorize a strike against the city.

The results announced Thursday showed 87% of workers voted in favor of the strike authorization. This does not mean workers are hitting the picket line, however. DC 33 says the vote simply gives union leaders the authority to call a strike at any time.