By MIKE LEE, Photos by MIKE LEE and JUSTINA RAMLAKHAN

With this years’ theme of “All Workers, Many Voices, One Fight,” thousands representing New York City-area unions marched up Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan on Saturday, Sept. 7 for the annual New York City Central Labor Council Labor Day Parade.

Despite intermittent drizzle, hundreds of DC 37 members, families, and allies gathered at the assembly location before stepping off to mingle, dance, and mark the upcoming occasion of the union’s 80th anniversary. Many elected officials, including U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, stopped by to greet members decked out in DC 37 green.

The marchers celebrated several significant victories of the past year, including budget restorations, alternate work schedules, multiple unit contracts, and newly organized members, all contributing to the union’s power and influence.

Taking place just before the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, the march was also an opportunity to honor public sector workers who gave their lives while performing their duties.

“Our members are always there to help all New Yorkers, including on that tragic day,” said Henry Garrido, DC 37 Executive Director. “We march for those who gave their lives and sacrificed their health while serving our communities.”

The parade was a celebration of the growing strength of the labor movement in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, with multiple organizing victories nationwide and new, stronger bargaining agreements negotiated in the last two years.

SSEU Local 371 member Michelle Stevenson, a Civil Service Fraud Investigator for the City’s Human Services Administration, spoke about the importance of union involvement.

“Being a member means having a voice for myself and others,” Stevenson said. “I’m a delegate on the jobsite and help take care of situations between management and workers. Union members are crucial for spreading the word to others so that people know what we’re all about fighting for our rights.”