Philadelphia's City Worker Strike: A Legacy of Discontent

The ongoing strike by Philadelphia's largest municipal union, DC 33, marks a significant moment in the city's labor history. The strike is a culmination of events dating back to 1992, when then-Mayor Ed Rendell's administration signed a contract with DC 33 that many members feel has led to a lack of parity for years. The contract, which froze wages for two years and created a new, less-lucrative pension plan, has been a sore point for the union.

Key Takeaways:

• The 1992 contract signed by DC 33 and Rendell's administration has been a major point of contention for the union, with many members feeling that it led to a lack of parity with other city workers.
• The contract froze wages for two years, created a new pension plan that is less generous than the one that existed before, and gave the city more control over employees' schedules, job descriptions, and performance evaluations.
• The contract has been a source of tension between the union and the city, with the union's current leader, Greg Boulware, citing it as a motivation for calling a strike in 2025.
• Boulware has been a vocal proponent of a more aggressive negotiating stance with the city, and has been supported by many members who are frustrated with the city's offer of annual raises of no more than 3%.
• The union's history has been marked by periods of upheaval, including the 1996 election of Herman "Pete" Matthews, who campaigned on a promise to fight the city more aggressively.
• Matthews eventually lost the presidency in 2020 to Ernest Garrett, who named Evon Sutton, the widow of James Sutton, as his political director.
• Garrett's leadership was marked by a close partnership with Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, but he was eventually removed from DC 33 leadership in February 2024 after he was accused of overspending without approval.
• Boulware's election in June 2024 marked a shift towards a more aggressive negotiating stance, and the union has since been on strike, demanding a 5% annual raise.

Statistics:

• 9,000 city workers are currently on strike, including members of DC 33.
• The contract signed in 1992 has been in effect for over 30 years, with many members feeling that it has led to a lack of parity.
• The city's finances have improved dramatically since the 1990s, but the union argues that the city can afford to offer better pay and benefits to its workers.
• Boulware has stated that he wants a 5% annual raise for his members, which is a significant increase from the city's current offer of 3%.
• The strike has halted trash pickup and strained many city services, with the city's budget already under pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sources:

• The Philadelphia Inquirer, "How far back in Philadelphia history does one have to go to understand this year's city worker strike?" by Sean Collins Walsh, Jul. 3
• The Philadelphia Inquirer, "The Philadelphia Inquirer's archives, including a 1992 article about the contract signed by Rendell's administration and DC 33."
• Interview with Francis Ryan, a Rutgers University labor historian who has written a book on DC 33.
• Interview with Evon Sutton, the widow of James Sutton, who was the union's president in 1992.