LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan have made the significant decision not to perform at the upcoming Fourth of July festival in Philadelphia as a show of solidarity with nearly 10,000 city workers who are currently on strike. This act of support emphasizes their commitment to social issues and highlights the ongoing struggle for fair treatment of workers.
Originally, LL Cool J was scheduled to take the stage at the Wawa Welcome America Festival on Friday, where he was set to perform alongside Jazmine Sullivan and several other talented artists. Their absence from this major event is a powerful statement about the importance of labor rights and the need for fair wages in the city.
In a heartfelt video shared on social media, LL Cool J expressed his deep conviction, stating, “There’s absolutely no way that I can perform, cross a picket line, and pick up money when I know that people are out there fighting for a living wage.” His words resonate as a reminder of the moral responsibility that public figures have in advocating for the rights of workers during challenging times.
He further conveyed his hope for a swift resolution to the strike, saying, “I hope, I hope, I hope that, you know, the mayor and the city can make a deal. I hope it works out.” This statement reflects his genuine concern for both the workers and the community at large, demonstrating his commitment to the city where he has many fans.
LL Cool J also emphasized his desire to never disappoint his fans, noting that he had plans to be in Philadelphia should an agreement be reached. His dedication to his audience is evident, as he balances his professional commitments with a keen awareness of social justice issues affecting the community.
The Wawa Welcome America Festival has coincided with the ongoing strike, which has now entered its fourth day. As a result, trash has begun to accumulate in various neighborhoods, and the situation has prompted the city to take urgent action, including ordering more than 30 staffers from the Medical Examiner’s Office back to work due to a growing backlog of bodies in storage.
Jazmine Sullivan, who hails from Philadelphia and is a Grammy award-winning artist, took to Instagram on Friday to express her solidarity with the striking workers. She stated that she would stand with them “until the city and the union find a way to bring fair living wages to our working class. I love my city and I believe in you,” she wrote. “Hopefully, we will get to celebrate when things are better.”
Recent negotiations between the city officials and leaders of District Council 33, the largest of four major unions representing city workers, ended late Wednesday. Both parties have indicated a willingness to continue discussions. The union represents a diverse array of blue-collar workers, including trash collectors, clerks, and security guards, while police and firefighters remain unaffected by the strike.
The city has proposed a three-year contract that includes annual raises of approximately 3%. However, the union has stated that this offer translates to little more than $1,000 after taxes for its members, who earn an average of $46,000 per year.
Mayor Cherelle Parker has asserted that the city has presented its “best offer” during negotiations. She highlighted that the proposed effective 13% pay increase over her four-year term — which includes a 5% raise from last year — along with a fifth step on the pay scale, represents the most favorable contract the union has seen in decades.
In response to LL Cool J’s decision, Mayor Parker mentioned that she had a conversation with him on Thursday. She remarked, “I respect his decision and understand his desire to see the city unified.” She added, “He is always welcome in Philadelphia,” underscoring the ongoing relationship between the city and the artist.
The union also acknowledged LL Cool J’s support, stating that it “highlights his commitment to social justice and community well-being.” The union emphasized that his support not only brings visibility to their efforts but also inspires others to recognize and advocate for the rights and respect of all workers. “It’s heartening to see public figures using their influence to champion causes that matter to everyday people,” they added.
On Thursday, Common Pleas Court Judge Sierra Thomas-Street approved the city’s request to have the medical examiner’s office staffers return to work due to health and safety concerns, as bodies have been accumulating in storage. The staffers include death and forensic investigators, forensic technicians, and clerks who play critical roles in maintaining public health.
This order was issued just a day after the judge mandated that some emergency service dispatchers and essential water department employees also return to their roles, emphasizing the urgent need for essential services during the strike.
As the strike continues, the increasing piles of trash in various parts of Philadelphia are causing significant distress for both residents and city officials. They have strongly urged the public to adhere to the collection guidelines that were implemented when the strike began on Tuesday. City officials have also encouraged residents to report any issues at the trash collection sites, ensuring that trash is being cleared as efficiently as possible while working to open additional collection sites to alleviate the situation.
