Rap artist LL Cool J and R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan have both announced they will not participate in the Wawa Welcome America Festival in Philadelphia due to a strike involving nearly 10,000 city workers. The strike, which moved into its fourth day, has led to significant disruptions, including trash piling up in various neighborhoods and a backlog at the Medical Examiner’s Office.
In a video message, LL Cool J expressed his solidarity with the striking workers, 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.” He indicated his hope for a resolution and mentioned that he intends to be in Philadelphia should an agreement be reached.
Jazmine Sullivan, who hails from the city, echoed similar sentiments in an Instagram post, affirming her support for the workers. She called for fair living wages and expressed a desire to celebrate once the strike ends and conditions improve.
The negotiations between the city and District Council 33, encompassing a wide array of blue-collar jobs from trash collection to services within the Medical Examiner’s Office, are ongoing. The city’s current offer includes a three-year contract with annual raises averaging about 3%, which union representatives argue is insufficient for their workers.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker responded to LL Cool J’s decision, emphasizing her respect for his stance and welcoming him back to the city. She noted that the city has made a significant offer, claiming it to be one of the best contracts the union has seen in decades.
The strike has begun affecting city operations severely, prompting court orders for essential staff to return, including those in medical services, to mitigate health risks associated with the backlog of unprocessed bodies and accumulating trash. The city is actively working to address these ongoing issues and has urged residents to adhere to updated trash collection guidelines.
This situation highlights the importance of advocacy for workers’ rights and equitable wages, emphasizing the community’s need to support essential workers during challenging times. The engagement of artists like LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan adds a notable layer of visibility to the workers’ plight, fostering a community spirit that may aid in achieving a fair resolution.