Many AFSCME DC 33 members have been itching for the union to take a dramatic stand against the city ever since then-Mayor Rendell won concessions in a 1992 contract. On Tuesday, they got their wish.

Striking city workers are joining picket lines outside Philadelphia City Hall, public libraries and other worksites as nearly 10,000 unionized employees walked off the job in search of better pay and benefits.

Negotiations were expected to resume Wednesday afternoon as a strike being staged by nearly 10,000 city workers in Philadelphia entered its second day.