Philadelphia Strike Ends: Race & Inequality at Center of Municipal Workers’ Fight for a Fair Wage
Democracy Now7 days
Philadelphia Ends 8-Day City Worker Strike With Pay Deal
Above: Trash piled up as the DC33 Union strike entered its second week on July 8 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Image copyright: Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This deal represents fiscal responsibility while fairly compensating essential workers. The 14% total increase over four years addresses cost-of-living concerns without breaking the city budget. Parker delivered the largest wage increase by a Philadelphia mayor in their first term in 30 years while maintaining fiscal stability.
Establishment-critical narrative
The settlement falls far short of what workers deserve after years of being undervalued. The 3% annual raises won't keep pace with inflation, leaving families struggling despite performing essential city functions. Workers earning an average $46,000 annually needed the originally requested 24% increase to meet rising living costs.