Philadelphia strike: Jazmine Sullivan, LL Cool J opt out of Wawa Welcome America concert unless deal reached
Philly strike: LL Cool J says he won't perform at Wawa Welcome America if deal isn't reached
LL Cool J has threatened to pull out of his performance at Wawa Welcome America if the city fails to reach a new contract with District Council 33.
PHILADELPHIA - Rapper LL Cool J says he won't perform at the Wawa Welcome America Independence Day concert in Philadelphia if a deal with District Council 33 is not reached.
The legendary performer was supposed to headline the free concert on the Ben Franklin Parkway, along with Jazmine Sullivan and JoJo.
In a video posted to Instagram on the eve of July 4th, LL Cool J said he will still be in Philadelphia for the holiday in case a deal between the city and union is reached.
Similarly, by Friday afternoon, Grammy Award-winning Philadelphia artist Jazmine Sullivan came to the same conclusion and announced she would not perform.
LL Cool J, Jazmine Sullivan opt out of Wawa Welcome America concert
Both LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan decide they won't perform at the Wawa Welcome America concert citing support for District Council 33 union members on strike.
What we know:
Wawa's annual Welcome America Independence Day concert will likely be without its headlining act.
Rapper LL Cool J posted a video to social media on Thursday night announcing his decision to pull out of the concert in solidarity with District Council 33 workers.
"I just letting you know, I'm not gonna cross a picket line and perform for money when people are hurting," LL Cool J said.
By Friday afternoon, through social media, Grammy Award-winning local artist Jazmine Sullivan had also announced her withdrawal.
She said, in part, "I choose to not perform at the Wawa Welcome America concert and stand with Philly’s DC33 until the city and union find a way to bring fair living wages to our working class."
Officials with the concert confirmed Sullivan’s withdrawal.
Philadelphia's largest union has been on strike since Tuesday after they failed to reach a new contract with the City of Philadelphia.
The work stoppage that sent sanitation workers to the picket lines has created a massive trash nightmare in the city.
After at least two rounds of negotiations since the strike went into effect, the two sides appear no closer to a deal.
Philadelphia strike: Parker says District Council 33 refused city's offer to continue negotiations
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said District Council 33 refused the city's offer to continue contract negotiations on Thursday as a crippling work stoppage continues.
What they're saying:
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker says she spoke to LL Cool J after he decided to pull out.
"I respect his decision and understand his desire to see the city unified," Parker said.
She claims the city has offered the union a ‘historic’ and ‘fiscally responsible’ deal that would raise wages more than any mayor in their first term in over 30 years.
She made a similar statement regarding Sullivan, adding, "…[I] understand her desire to see our City unified. I feel exactly the same. Jazmine, your hometown loves you!"
Meanwhile, District Council 33 called LL Cool J's decision "a powerful testament to his respect for workers' rights."
"His actions highlight the importance of supporting those who strive for fair treatment and better working conditions," the union's statement read in-part.
What's next:
The two sides remain at a stalemate and have not announced plans to resume negotiations over the holiday weekend.