LL Cool J And Jazmine Sullivan Refuse To Cross Picket Line, Pull Out Of Philly’s July 4 Concert

[ad_1] by Daniel Johnson July 5, 2025

Each artists stated they might not cross the picket line, taking a transparent stand in solidarity with the employees.

LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan have introduced their assist for the hanging members of Philadelphia’s municipal staff union by pulling out of their scheduled performances on the Wawa Welcome America Fourth of July Live performance on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Each artists stated they might not cross the picket line, taking a transparent stand in solidarity with the employees.

In response to CBS Information, legendary Hip-Hop artist LL Cool J introduced in a video posted to social media on July 3 that he determined to not “cross a picket line” as the employees and town continued to barter for a residing wage.

“Yo, so, I perceive there’s rather a lot happening in Philadelphia proper now, and I by no means, ever, ever need to disappoint my followers, particularly Philadelphia, y’all imply an excessive amount of to me,” LL Cool J stated in a video posted to his Instagram account on July 3. “However there’s completely no approach that I can carry out, cross a picket line, and choose up cash after I know that persons are on the market combating for a residing wage. I’m not doing that, what I’m saying? I’ve been coming to Philly my entire life, ? I've respect for town, what I’m saying? In fact, I hope, I hope, I hope that the mayor and town could make a deal, I hope it really works out. I’m nonetheless going to come back to Philly in case it really works out. I’m going to be on the town, y’all. I’m simply letting , I’m not going to cross a picket line and carry out for cash when persons are hurting. That’s it, so I like y’all. I’m on my technique to Philly. Peace and love.”

Sullivan, a Philadelphia native, and LL Cool J had been chosen to headline the occasion, and much like the rapper, she selected to make use of her social media account to share her personal solidarity with the employees, posting to her Instagram Tales that she was pulling out of the Fourth of July Live performance with the intention to “stand with Philly’s DC33.”

DC33 staff in Philly are the bottom paid of the municipal unions, making $46,000 on common. When town refused to offer them the elevate they're on the lookout for, they walked out on strike. Now town stinks, and persons are shortly studying simply how important these staff are. pic.twitter.com/6rxQW8yUVr

— Extra Good Union (@MorePerfectUS) July 3, 2025

In case you’re questioning why DC 33 is on strike this morning, take heed to what President Boulware stated final evening 👇

Bear in mind- Philadelphia works as a result of DC 33 does!@afscme33 pic.twitter.com/bpwjFm1ed5

— Philly AFL-CIO (@PhillyAFLCIO) July 1, 2025

AFSCME District Council 33, Philadelphia’s largest union representing town’s blue-collar staff, has been on strike since 12:01 a.m. on July 1, and since that point, rubbish has been piling up because the union fights for increased wages and higher healthcare advantages for its members.

In a press release, DC 33 President Greg Boulware praised LL Cool J, and later talked about Sullivan’s assist. “LL Cool J’s resolution to face in solidarity with the labor motion by selecting to not cross a picket line is a robust testomony to his respect for staff’ rights,” Boulware wrote in a press release.

Boulware continued, “His actions spotlight the significance of supporting those that try for truthful therapy and higher working situations. By prioritizing the dignity and respect of laborers over potential fan disappointment, LL Cool J sends a robust message in regards to the worth of unity and collective motion. His assist underscores the importance of the labor motion and its ongoing battle for justice and fairness. We're grateful for his exemplary stance and the affect it has on elevating consciousness and fostering respect for working folks in every single place. LL Cool J really is the G.O.A.T.!”

He concluded, “It’s really refreshing to witness a star of her (Sullivan’s) stature and a local Philadelphian recognizing and valuing the tireless dedication of municipal staff.”

Philadelphia’s mayor, Cherelle Parker, launched her personal assertion, and advised the outlet that town’s negotiating staff was keen to satisfy with the union, however the union’s management declined the assembly.

In response to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Parker, who has described herself as a “pro-labor mayor” stated that the provide town prolonged to its staff was their greatest and last provide, however as trash continues to pile up, and other people proceed to publicly assist the union, one other, greatest provide is more likely to come.

The present strike, per their reporting, has some themes in widespread with town’s final strike in 1986, and throughout the three weeks of that strike, because it has thus far, as trash piled up, strain mounted on town to make a deal.

The employees which can be represented by DC33, in contrast to town’s different municipal staff, are majority Black, and the union is primarily involved with successful a elevate to the employees’ common wage of $46,000 per 12 months.

Native labor leaders and numerous Philadelphia Metropolis Council members have expressed assist for the hanging staff, Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O’Rourke, members of the progressive Working Households Social gathering, issued a joint assertion, indicating their assist for the hanging staff.

Of their joint assertion, they indicated that they “stand able to assist hanging staff and all Philadelphians who're impacted by any disruption to providers, and we urge the Mayor to avert the strike by signing a contract that places working households first.”