It is a political rite of passage and every new mayor confronts it – negotiating contracts with Philadelphia’s four municipal unions just months after taking office.

Ed Rendell used chaos to his advantage in 1992. With the city’s finances collapsing, Rendell swung a deal that froze wages while cutting holidays, some starting salaries and contributions to union health-care plans.

John Street faced a stronger economy in 2000 and unions holding a serious bargaining chip – the Republican National Convention was due to start just after the contracts expired and a strike would draw national attention. The unions got increases in wages and health benefits.

Enter Michael Nutter, who has enjoyed smooth sailing in the opening months of his first term. His $4 billion budget and five-year financial plan were approved by City Council last month.

Now, Nutter faces expiring contracts on June 30 with the blue-collar District Council 33, the white collar District Council 47, Local 22 of the International Association of Fire Fighters and Lodge 5 of the Fraternal Order of Police.
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