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.

A strike by nearly 10,000 city workers in Philadelphia has stretched into a third day. Trash continued to pile up Thursday in some areas, and a judge ordered more than 30 Medical Examiner’s Office staffers back to work because of a growing backlog of bodies in storage.

PHILADELPHIA -- A strike being staged by nearly 10,000 city workers in Philadelphia entered its second day Wednesday as a judge ordered some emergency service dispatchers and essential water department employees to return to work.