Philadelphia's Trash Strike Ends: A Mixed Victory

The long trash strike in Philadelphia is finally over. After a 12-hour negotiation marathon, the city and the union representing its blue-collar workers have reached a deal. The union, DC33, had been pushing for a big pay raise. They wanted a total of 32% over four years. But the city offered something different. They gave a 3% raise each year for three years. Plus, there was a 5% increase last year to extend the contract. So, over four years, the total raise is 14%. The union president, Greg Boulware, said they did their best. He admitted the deal wasn't perfect. But he believed it was the best they could get. He told workers to go back to work while they vote on the deal. The strike caused big problems. Trash piled up on streets. The city had to set up special drop-off sites. Even the Fourth of July concert was affected. LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan canceled their performances. Mayor Cherelle Parker called the deal "historic. " But is it really a win for everyone? The city got most of what it wanted. The union got less than they hoped. Workers might have missed a paycheck. And the city still has a lot of trash to clean up.