AFSCME Local 1733 Workers Have Reached a Tentative Agreement for a Livable Wage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 4, 2026

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — AFSCME Local 1733 has reached an agreement with the mayor’s office, signed by the city solicitor, that, once approved by the Memphis City Council, will establish a baseline livable wage for Local 1733 workers.

Under the agreement, every covered worker currently earning less than $22 an hour would receive an increase to $22 an hour beginning Oct.1. Sanitation workers would also receive wage increases of up to 5%.

While the agreement remains subject to approval by the Memphis City Council, Local 1733 members expressed optimism with the positive progress with the mayor’s office.

“This agreement shows what city workers can accomplish when we stay united, speak up and don’t give up,” said Adrian Rodgers, president of Local 1733. “Our members stood together because they know the value of the work they perform every day. We look forward to working with the City Council to make sure these raises take effect on October 1.”

“We take pride in our work and in serving the people of Memphis,” said Michael Ward, an environmental enforcement officer and Local 1733 member. “A living wage means dedicated city workers can continue serving the city we love while also providing for our own families.”

As part of its Respect 1733 campaign, workers organized, spoke out, and mobilized community support to demand a fair wage. Local 1733 had planned a rally at City Hall on August 4. In light of the agreement, the rally has been canceled and replaced by an informational meeting for AFSCME Local 1733 members at 1733 headquarters.

LOCAL 1733 MEMBER INFORMATIONAL MEETING
When: Aug. 4 at 3 p.m.
Where: Local 1733 Headquarters
485 Beale St., Memphis, Tenn. 38103

Members of the news media are invited to attend the meeting to learn more about the agreement and speak with Local 1733 leaders and members.

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AFSCME Local 1733 represents the Memphis city workers who keep the city clean, safe and running.