LL Cool J canceled his July 4 efficiency in Philadelphia over the town’s ongoing employees’ strike, prompting a response from Mayor Cherelle Parker.
LL Cool J pulled out of Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America live performance scheduled for July 4 on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, citing assist for placing metropolis employees and refusing to carry out whereas labor negotiations stay unresolved.
The Hip-Hop icon introduced his determination Thursday night time through Instagram, simply at some point earlier than the occasion, stating that he wouldn’t cross a picket line whereas hundreds of municipal workers continued their walkout for higher pay and advantages.
“However there’s completely no means that I can carry out, cross a picket line, and decide up cash once I know that individuals are on the market combating for a dwelling wage. I’m not doing that, you understand what I’m saying?” he mentioned within the video.
View this submit on Instagram A submit shared by LL COOL J (@llcoolj)
The strike, led by AFSCME District Council 33, started July 1 and marks Philadelphia’s first main municipal labor stoppage since 1986.
Greater than 9,000 employees—together with sanitation crews, 911 dispatchers and water division workers—have walked off the job, disrupting important companies throughout the town.
Mayor Cherelle Parker responded to LL Cool J’s announcement, expressing appreciation for his stance whereas acknowledging the town’s ongoing challenges.
“I’m conscious that LL Cool J has determined to not carry out at WAWA Welcome America’s July 4th Live performance tomorrow night on the Parkway. I spoke personally with LL Cool J immediately. I respect his determination and perceive his need to see the town unified. He’s all the time welcome in Philadelphia,” Parker mentioned in a press release.
The strike has already led to trash pileups, delays in morgue operations and heightened tensions between metropolis officers and union leaders. The union leaders rejected the town’s supply of an 8% elevate over three years, calling it insufficient given the rising value of dwelling.
LL Cool J added that he nonetheless plans to be in Philadelphia in case a deal is reached.
“I hope that the mayor and the 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 you understand I’m not going to cross a picket line and carry out for cash when individuals are damage.”
Associated
