New Delhi, July 9 -- Philadelphia's massive strike by city workers is over after nine tough days. Nearly 10,000 blue-collar workers who collect trash, fix streets, and answer 911 calls reached a deal with the city early Wednesday.

They walked off the job on July 1 because they wanted better pay and benefits. Mayor Cherelle Parker announced the strike ended with a new three-year contract. Combined with an earlier raise, workers will get 14% more pay over Parker's four-year term.

"The work stoppage is OVER," Parker posted online. But union leader Greg Boulware grumbled, "We did the best we could" with a deal he still dislikes .

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from MINT....