Philadelphia Festival Performers Withdraw in Solidarity with Striking Workers

Philadelphia – LL Cool J and R&B artist Jazmine Sullivan have announced they will not perform at the July 4th festival in Philadelphia. Their decision is in support of nearly 10,000 city workers currently on strike.

LL Cool J was set to take the stage at the Wawa Welcome America Festival along with Sullivan and other artists on Friday.

“I can’t perform or accept payment knowing that people are fighting for a living wage,” LL Cool J shared in a social media video. He expressed hopes for a resolution between the city and the striking workers.

He added that he doesn’t wish to disappoint his fans and plans to be in Philadelphia if an agreement is reached.

This festival takes place as the strike enters its fourth day. Garbage has accumulated in various parts of the city, and some medical examination staff have returned to work due to the growing backlog of bodies.

Jazmine Sullivan expressed her love for the city, urging a fair living wage for the working class in an Instagram post, hoping for better times ahead.

Recent negotiations between the city and leaders of District Council 33, the largest union representing city workers, ended without resolution. Both sides are open to continuing talks. This union represents a variety of workers, including garbage collectors and clerks, while police and firefighters remain on duty.

The city has proposed annual raises and a three-year contract with an increase of about 3%, but the union argues that members, averaging $46,000 a year, will face tax burdens of less than $1,000.

Mayor Sherrell Parker remarked that the city’s offers are the best available, emphasizing significant raises over her tenure, including a 5% increase last year and a notable step in the wage scale, declaring it the most favorable contract in decades.

Parker also responded to LL Cool J’s statement, saying they had spoken on Thursday. “I respect his choices and understand his wish to unite the city,” she noted, affirming that he is always welcome in Philadelphia.

The union acknowledged LL Cool J’s backing for local government workers, framing it as a commitment to social justice and community welfare. They appreciate his influence in shedding light on their cause and encouraging advocacy for workers’ rights.

On Thursday, a court judge approved the city’s request for key medical examination office staff to return to work, which had included investigators and forensic technicians.

This followed a previous court order for emergency service dispatchers and essential water department workers to resume their duties.

The build-up of garbage in certain areas has left residents and officials disheartened, prompting calls for adherence to collection guidelines established at the start of the strike. Officials encourage residents to report garbage collection issues and assure that efforts are underway to address the situation swiftly.