Philly workers may strike if talks break down

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - July 1, 2008 District Council 47 is one of four unions whose contracts with the city expired just after midnight. District Council 47 and city officials have agreed on an extension until July 15.

But with Tuesday's strike authorization vote, District Council 47 leaders can call for a walkout any time after July 15. The union is scheduled to resume negotiations with city officials Monday.

District Council 33, which represents 9,400 blue-collar workers, has agreed to keep negotiating without a work interruption.

Contracts with the police and firefighters' unions are expected to be settled by arbitration.