PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Members of Philadelphia’s largest labor union voted to authorize a strike Wednesday afternoon.

The more than 9,000 city employees represented by AFSCME District Council 33 have been working without a contract since July.

“Give us a fair contract, what we rightfully deserve,” said Jeff Bemiss, an industrial process engineer for the Philadelphia Water Department.

“We need two jobs to make ends meet. We have mortgages, car notes. We have kids,” added Tanya Ray, data support clerk for the Philadelphia Water Department. “We are essential employees. Nothing moves without us.”

Chopper 6 was overhead as about 1,000 union members stood in solidarity outside Philadelphia City Hall.

Greg Boulware, who is the union president, says he has asked Mayor Cherelle Parker for higher wages, better benefits and relaxed residency protocols.

“Our people are the working poor of Philadelphia. We don’t make a living wage to be able to survive and thrive and live in this city where we provide all the services that make everything livable here,” Boulware said.

Boulware says Parker proposed a one-year contract extension and a $50 pay raise without addressing their needs.

“It is not our place to discuss the union’s tactics or strategies,” the Parker administration said in a statement Wednesday. “We remain confident in what we have negotiated throughout this year with all of the other unions that represent our municipal workers and believe we will be able to find an amicable solution with the leadership and members of District 33 Council as well.”

Boulware said she felt the support of Councilwoman Nina Ahmad, who says she and other colleagues signed a letter that will go to Parker on Thursday.

The union president says they will give Parker’s administration 10 days notice of a potential strike and then determine next steps.

He hopes they can reach an agreement to avoid a strike altogether.