Philadelphia Finally Ends COVID Work Policy In May 2024

Most sane, reasonable people have assumed that virtually COVID-related policies have long since ended. But most sane, reasonable people don't live in Philadelphia.

Somehow, well into 2024, city leadership was still maintaining a pandemic-era policy allowing city workers to work remotely. But in a recent announcement, Mayor Cherrelle Parker announced she was calling all 25,000 employees back to the office. Nearly four and a half years after pointless, ineffective lockdowns sent workers home.

Starting July 15th, all employees will need to return to working in-office to create a "more visible and accessible government." 

"Employee presence at the workplace allows for more personal and productive interactions," Parker said in the announcement. "It facilitates communication. It promotes social connections as well as collaboration, innovation and inclusion."

"Our workforce is the only way that Philadelphia truly becomes what I promised to the people, that is the safest, cleanest, greenest big city in America, with access to economic opportunity for all," she claimed in the announcement. So far, making Philadelphia the "safest" and "cleanest" big city in America has, uh, not happened. But hey, at least getting employees to commute in their cars to work is certainly going to make the city "greener."

PHILADELPHIA - Mayor Of Philadelphia Cherelle Parker is seen at Philadelphia's City Hall Courtyard on May 14, 2024. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)

Far Left Cities Laughably Continue COVID Policies

What might be the funniest part of the mayor's announcement is how angry the city's union reaction has been.

The president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2187 Union, David Wilson, that represents many of the city's workers issued a statement decrying the decision.

"It has become clearer than ever that the mayor doesn't care for her city work force," Wilson said. "Her actions speak louder than words."

Your heart goes out to them, doesn't it?

There's a reasonable debate to be had over whether many jobs need to done in an office. Remote work carries benefits for employees, including avoiding lengthy, frustrating, expensive commutes. Offices can foster more collaboration, conversation and innovation. But they also are grounds for a remarkable amount of wasted time and unnecessary distractions.

That said, for city employees, it's far more reasonable to expect them to be in the office, considering they work for the public and are paid by taxpayers. Especially if the only justification for remote work is fear of COVID. Which was unnecessary four years ago and completely ridiculous now. 

But then again, completely ridiculous is what Philadelphia does best.