“The City Is Writing the Rules as They Go”: Lessons of the DC33 Strike - Revolutionary Communists of America

“The City Is Writing the Rules as They Go”: Lessons of the DC33 Strike - Revolutionary Communists of America

On July 1, the 9,000 Philadelphia public-sector workers of AFSCME District Council 33 went on strike, demanding a 5% annual wage increase over three years. One worker summed up the strike’s aims, telling The Communist: “We work for the city of Philly, we should be able to afford living in the city of Philly.” After eight days on strike, DC33’s leadership caved to Philadelphia’s mayor, Democrat Cherelle Parker. Workers got only a 3% annual raise,…