Latest news with #CityWorkers
CTV News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Festival garbage cleanup
Windsor Watch City workers are asking festival goers to clean up after themselves due to garbage being left after a recent festival. CTV Windsor's Stefanie Masotti reports.
The Independent
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
LL Cool J says he won't perform at Philadelphia's July Fourth festival in support of workers strike
Rapper LL Cool J says he will not perform at a Fourth of July festival in Philadelphia in support of a strike by nearly 10,000 city workers in Philadelphia. The rapper and actor had been scheduled to appear at the Wawa Welcome America Festival on Friday, along with R&B singer and Philadelphia native Jazmine Sullivan and other performers. LL Cool J said in a video posted on social media that '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.' 'I hope, I hope, I hope that, you know, the mayor and the city can make a deal. I hope it works out,' he said. LL Cool J also said that he never wants to disappoint his fans and that he plans to be in Philadelphia in case an agreement is reached. The festival comes as the strike moved into a fourth day Friday. Trash has been piling up in some areas and more than 30 Medical Examiner's Office staffers have been ordered back to work because of a growing backlog of bodies in storage. The latest talks between the city and leaders of District Council 33 — the largest of four major unions representing city workers — ended late Wednesday. Both sides have said they were willing to continue negotiations. The union represents many of the city's blue-collar workers, from trash collectors to clerks to security guards. Police and firefighters are not on strike. The city has offered a three-year contract with annual raises of about 3%, which the union said amounts to little more than $1,000 after taxes for members making $46,000 a year on average. Mayor Cherelle Parker has said the city has 'put its best offer on the table.' She stressed that the effective 13% pay hike over her four-year term -- including last year's 5% bump – along with a fifth step on the pay scale would be the best contract the union has seen in decades. Parker responded to LL Cool J's statement, saying that she spoke with him on Thursday. "I respect his decision, and understand his desire to see the city unified," the mayor said. 'He is always welcome in Philadelphia.' The union also responded, saying LL Cool J's support for municipal workers 'highlights his commitment to social justice and community well-being.' 'His support not only brings attention to our efforts but also inspires others to recognize and advocate for the rights and respect of all workers,' the union said. 'It's heartening to see public figures using their influence to champion causes that matter to everyday people.' On Thursday, Common Pleas Court Judge Sierra Thomas-Street approved the city's request to have the medical examiner's office staffers return to work because bodies have been piling up there in storage, posing a health and safety risk. Those workers include death and forensic investigators, forensic technicians and clerks. The order came a day after the judge ordered some emergency service dispatchers and essential water department employees back to work. Mounting trash piles in some parts of the city were also still causing grief for residents and officials, who have strongly urged residents to follow the collection guidelines imposed when the strike began Tuesday. They also urged residents to report problems at the trash collection sites, and noted trash is being cleared as fast as possible and the city is working to open more sites.
CBS News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Philadelphia road closures scheduled in Center City, Old City for July Fourth events
Wawa Welcome America still on despite strike in Philadelphia Wawa Welcome America still on despite strike in Philadelphia Wawa Welcome America still on despite strike in Philadelphia Philadelphia is gearing up for a busy few days celebrating July Fourth. From music and celebrations in Old City to fireworks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, there's something for everyone to enjoy this Independence Day. City officials say all events in the Wawa Welcome America Festival will go on as planned even if city workers in AFSCME District Council 33 remain on strike. Negotiations to resolve the strike are ongoing as of Wednesday afternoon. READ MORE: Fourth of July parades, fireworks shows in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Delaware Here's what you need to know about the schedule and road closures in Philadelphia this week. Wednesday road closures The U.S. Army Field Band is set to perform Wednesday evening at Independence Mall as part of the Independence Concert Series Stage presented by Visit Philadelphia. The War and Treaty will also be part of the concert. These road closures and restrictions are scheduled for Wednesday: Market Street between 5th Street and 6th Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A northbound traffic lane on Market between 5th and 6th Streets from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Pedestrian sidewalk closed on north side of Market Street Thursday road closures The concert series continues Thursday at 7 p.m. with the Philly Pops performing at Independence National Historical Park. Singer-songwriter Ben Folds is also set to join the orchestra. These road closures will be in place Thursday: A northbound traffic lane on Market between 5th and 6th Streets from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Pedestrian sidewalk closed on north side of Market Street In preparation for the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony on Friday, 6th Street will be closed between Chestnut and Walnut streets from 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday as well. Friday road closures The Celebration of Freedom Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Friday is scheduled to include remarks by Mayor Cherelle Parker and the presentation of the One Philly Award and the Wawa Foundation Hero Award, along with musical guests DJ Diamond Kuts and Suzann Christine. For the ceremony, these road closures are scheduled: 6th Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street for stage removal on Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Salute to Independence Parade begins Friday at 11 a.m. The route starts at Independence Hall, turns right on 6th Street, turns left on Market Street, goes around City Hall and ends at Broad and Arch streets near the Pennsylvania Convention Center. These are the road closures for the parade: 2nd Street between Market Street and Walnut Street from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. 3rd Street between Market Street and Walnut Street from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. 4th Street between Market Street and Walnut Street from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. 5th Street between Market Street and Walnut Street from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Front Street from Dock Street to Market Street from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chestnut Street between 6th Street and Front Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. These roads will be closed Friday from 10:30 a.m. until the parade ends: 5th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street 6th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street 7th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street 8th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street 9th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street 10th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street 11th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street 12th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street 13th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street JFK Boulevard between Market Street and 15th Street North Broad Street between JFK Boulevard and Vine Street South Penn Square from S. Broad Street to East Market Street East Market from 5th Street to City Hall 12th Street between Vine Street and Market Street 13th Street between Vine Street and Market Street Arch Street between 13th Street and Broad Street Strawberry Street between Market Street and Chestnut Street Bank Street between Market Street and Chestnut Street Philadelphia July Fourth celebrations conclude with a party on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Friday. That event includes a concert featuring LL Cool J and Philadelphia native Jazmine Sullivan and night begins with performances by JoJo and Alvaro Diaz. The concert begins at 7 p.m., and fireworks are slated to begin around 9:30 p.m. Gates for the concert open at 4 p.m. All guests must enter at Logan Circle at 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway through the secure checkpoint, including magnetometers. Bags and beings are subject to search. The event is free, and tickets are not required. The following road closures are scheduled to begin at 5 a.m. Friday and end at 2 a.m. Saturday: 1900 Race Street 1800-1900 Vine Street I-676 off-ramp at 22nd Street I-676 on-ramp at 22nd Street I-76 eastbound sff-ramp at Spring Garden Street Spring Garden Tunnel Park Towne Place between 22nd Street and 24th Street 20th Street between Arch Street and Pennsylvania Avenue 19th Street between Callowhill Street and Cherry Street These closures are in place from 5 a.m. Friday until 4 a.m. Saturday: Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 18th Street to Eakins Oval (all lanes) Eakins Oval (all lanes) Kelly Drive between Eakins Oval and Fairmount Avenue (Kelly Drive inbound closed at Fountain Green Drive beginning at approximately 5 p.m.) Rear of Art Museum – Anne d'Harnoncourt Drive 2000-2100 Winter Street MLK Drive from Falls Bridge to Eakins Oval Spring Garden Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and 31st Street 23rd Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Eakins Oval These streets will be closed from 5 a.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Saturday: 22nd Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue 21st Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue These streets will close from 1 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Saturday: All roads from Arch Street to Spring Garden Street, 18th Street to 22nd Street (local access maintained for residents) All roads from Arch Street to Fairmount Avenue, 22nd Street to Corinthian Street (local access maintained for residents) 16th and 17th streets, between Arch Street and Spring Garden Street will be closed only if conditions warrant in the interest of public safety 1600-1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway will be closed only if conditions warrant in the interest of public safety These roads will close from 8 p.m. Friday through 1 a.m. Saturday: Kelly Drive from Fairmount Avenue to Fountain Green Drive Lemon Hill Drive Sedgley Drive Waterworks Drive Poplar Drive Changes to SEPTA bus routes These SEPTA bus routes will be detoured from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday: 4, 5, 7, 9, 16, 17, 21, 23, 27, 31, 32, 33, 38, 42, 44, 45, 47, 47M, 48, 57, 61, 124 and 125. These routes will be detoured from 3 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday: 7, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48 and 49. Check and for full details on public transit changes.
The Independent
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Philadelphia city workers strike after contract talks fail
Nearly 10,000 city workers in Philadelphia who collect trash, answer 911 calls, maintain city pools and perform other jobs went on strike Tuesday after contract negotiations broke down. District Council 33 President Greg Boulware said the city hadn't agreed to a high enough wage increase, WPVI-TV reported. Mayor Cherelle Parker said the city would suspend residential trash collection, close some city pools and shorten recreation center hours, but vowed to keep the city running. Police and firefighters are not on strike. Parker, a pro-labor Democrat, promised that Fourth of July celebrations in the nation's birthplace would go on as usual. 'Keep your holiday plans. Don't leave the city," she said at a Monday afternoon news conference that followed hours of last-minute negotiations. City officials urged residents to be patient and not hang up should they need to call either 911 or the city's non-emergency helpline. They said they would open drop-off sites for residential trash. Parker said she had offered raises that amount to 13% over her four-year term and added a fifth step to the pay scale to align with other unionized workers. District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees is the largest of four unions representing city workers. 'We believe it's a fair offer and still fiscally responsible for the people of this city,' said Parker, who took office last year. Union leaders, in their initial contract proposal, asked for 8% annual raises each year of the three-year contract, along with cost-of-living hikes and bonuses of up to $5,000 for those who worked through the pandemic. The union also asked the city to pay the full cost of employee health care, or $1,700 per person per month. 'District Council 33's members contribute as much blood, sweat and tears as does anyone else,' they said in a demand letter. 'We all make the city work. Our contract must reflect that reality.' In November, the city transit system averted a strike when the parties agreed to a one-year contract with 5% raises.
CBC
11-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Union, City of Windsor reach tentative agreement for inside workers
The union representing City of Windsor inside workers and the city have reached a tentative agreement, the union said Tuesday evening. Patrick Murchison, president of CUPE Local 543 representing almost 1,600 City of Windsor workers, said he was feeling "relieved" with the tentative agreement reached. "Relieved that we can actually hopefully see some light," he told CBC News Tuesday evening. "I think we're all feeling relieved." The union and the city have been in bargaining since October 2024. Murchison said details of the agreement will not be made public until and if it is ratified by members. On Tuesday evening, he said it was too soon to know when that would take place. The deal will also go to city council for approval.
