Labor leaders and workers gathered at the AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C., to commence the “It’s Better in a Union: Fighting for Freedom, Fairness and Security” bus tour. The initiative aims to organize and mobilize workers across 26 states ahead of Labor Day.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler addressed the rally, emphasizing the role of working people as the backbone of communities. She stated, “The answer is not more of this same broken status quo. The answer is a good union job.”
The bus tour will engage with workers nationwide about organizing workplaces and negotiating fair contracts. It will visit picket lines, support organizing campaigns, and speak with workers affected by policy changes.
Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, expressed determination to inform workers about those responsible for job losses and healthcare cuts. “We’re getting on this bus to make sure they know who sold us out,” he said.
Speakers at the rally included prominent labor leaders such as Lee Saunders from AFSCME, Evelyn DeJesus from AFT, Claude Cummings Jr. from CWA, among others.
Following the kickoff event, the bus joined UNITE HERE Local 23 in a rally to protect food service jobs at the U.S. House of Representatives. The next stop is Newport News, Virginia on July 12 with USW.
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