Celebrating the Power of Black Union Organizers

September 8, 2025

Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, commemorates Labor Day by highlighting the labor movement's historical achievements in improving working conditions, wages, and rights. He emphasizes Black trade unionists' crucial contributions throughout labor history, from the 1881 Atlanta Washerwoman Strike to recent organizing victories at Volkswagen, Waffle House, and Blue Bird. Redmond criticizes the Trump administration for undermining worker and union rights, particularly targeting federal employees.

Who is affected

Black workers, particularly those organizing in the South
Federal workers, including "significant numbers of Black workers"
Union members across various industries
Workers at companies like Volkswagen, Waffle House, and Blue Bird
Front-line and lower-paid workers
Immigrant workers and their families
Nearly 15 million workers represented by the AFL-CIO's 63 unions

What action is being taken

Black workers are leading organizing efforts in the South, including recent victories at Volkswagen in Chattanooga
Waffle House workers are engaging in collective action and strikes
Blue Bird employees are organizing against union-busting to form their first union
The Trump administration is "stripping federal workers of their union rights"
The AFL-CIO is fighting for worker rights and against policies that undermine unions

Why it matters

Union organizing provides workers with fair wages, safer workplaces, and dignity
Labor rights are connected to civil rights and social justice
Workers' collective power has historically achieved important workplace protections
Government actions targeting union rights affect the "foundation of our communities"
Union-busting efforts can lead to lower pay, less safe jobs, and less secure futures
Labor organizing counteracts extreme inequality and corporate interests

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint