Mayor Parker did not receive a 9% raise herself, but significant salary increases were given to her aides.
At recent rallies organized by AFSCME District Council 33, striking workers voiced their grievances against Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, suggesting that they are merely seeking equitable pay comparable to what she has reportedly awarded herself. Union members have circulated materials that highlight a perceived disparity between Parker’s compensation and the raises being offered to the workers.
The claim prompting this dialogue is summarized in slogans such as “9% for me, 2% for thee.” This expression references a purported 9% salary increase that Parker granted herself amid initial negotiations with the union, which has been characterized as inadequate. While this assertion has resonated widely on social media platforms, it merits further scrutiny to present a clearer picture of the salary dynamics at play.
The allegation concerning the 9% raise finds its roots in the ending salary of former Mayor Jim Kenney, which stood at 0,347 before climbing to 1,497 shortly before his departure. Parker assumed her role in January 2024, starting at Kenney’s former salary and subsequently receiving a 3.1% increase, bringing her annual salary to 9,708.
In addressing these claims during a press conference preceding the strike, Parker distinctly refuted the idea that her pay raise was excessive, explaining that her salary has been structured transparently in line with the previous mayor’s compensation. She highlighted that she began at the same salary as her predecessor and that any increase was determined by a standard cost-of-living adjustment.
Per Philadelphia’s City Charter, elected officials are restrained in their ability to independently authorize salary raises. Multiple measures ensure that any adjustments adhere to a multiplier linked to the consumer price index, which accounts for living costs. Notably, an attempt by Sheriff Rochelle Bilal’s administration to substantially increase her salary was unsuccessful, leading her to accept a modest cost-of-living adjustment instead.
Despite the legal restrictions on salary enhancements for elected officials, Parker has significantly increased funding for her office, facilitating notable raises for her senior staff. Her first budget introduced a 150% increase in expenditures, resulting in staff pay raises averaging 16% over the previous year. Certain key roles, such as Managing Director Adam Thiel, experienced salary elevations exceeding 30%.
Critics of Parker also point to the substantial salaries of union leadership, as disclosed in recent union financial filings. Former union president Ernest Garrett earned 2,337, while former secretary-treasurer Francis Halbherr had an annual compensation of 8,928, all financed through union dues.
As the strike continues, both sides remain keenly aware of the intricate financial dynamics at play, with workers advocating for fair compensation amidst growing concerns over the discrepancies in remuneration across city leadership. The negotiation process between AFSCME District Council 33 and the Parker administration appears poised to capture the attention of city stakeholders in the weeks ahead.
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