Union Workers March in Wilmington’s Labor Day Parade Amid Concerns

On Monday, thousands of union workers, joined by family and supporters, marched through Wilmington’s streets for a Labor Day parade. The festive atmosphere overshadowed serious concerns about the future. Jesse Munoz, a 63-year-old longshoreman with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 13, highlighted the impact of automation. He noted that over 2,000 jobs have been lost in the last 15 years. He expressed worry that foreign-owned companies may further reduce the workforce and worsen conditions.

“The concern is the future,” Munoz stated. “I have a son hoping to become a regular union member, but prospects are less promising than desired.” He added, “Eliminating the workforce affects taxes and pensions.”

The Wilmington rally was among several Labor Day events nationwide, which also serve as campaign opportunities during midterm elections and other political races. The U.S. first celebrated Labor Day in New York City on September 5, 1882, with 10,000 marchers. President Cleveland signed a law in 1894 making it a legal holiday, now known for both sales and a day off work.

In Southern California, the labor movement holds notable numbers and political influence, though this isn’t consistent nationwide. Union representation rose by 463,000 workers in 2025, according to data from the American Prospect. National union density increased marginally from 9.9% to 10.0%, driven mainly by government roles, as private-sector density remained at 5.9%.

Munoz directed a message to President Trump, who imposed tariffs on foreign goods to boost U.S. manufacturing, resulting in higher domestic prices. “Stop those tariffs and this automation,” Munoz urged. “Bring people back to work. Let the economy grow through its workers, not politicians.”

Despite a largely Democratic crowd, one longshoreman in his early 60s said, “We’re better off than during Biden’s tenure,” appreciating his “wonderful” union.

Jordan Gonzales, a 20-year longshoreman, voiced concerns about trade work’s future. “Many prefer office work with AC,” he noted. Enjoying a free breakfast at a union hall, he anticipated his 12-year-old’s glockenspiel performance in the parade. Participating schools included San Pedro High, Banning High, Harry Bridges Middle, Port of Los Angeles High, and Garfield High.

Many unions marched with local chapters, with a procession of cars. L.A. Mayor Bass led the shore workers. In the Longshoremen’s & Warehousemen’s Memorial Association’s meeting hall, politicians introduced themselves over an inattentive din. Xavier Becerra, candidate for California governor, thanked unions for support. “None of us should forget our roots,” he said. “Election Day, November 3rd, is ours as much as Labor Day is.”

Los Angeles mayoral candidates, incumbent Bass and challenger Raman, were present. Mayor Bass praised union achievements despite Trump’s actions affecting workers and reaffirmed, “L.A. is a labor city, and I’m with you 100%.” Most labor leaders back her, except for the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, who support Raman. The union’s vice president, Doug Hicks, stressed the need for L.A. housing. “How many cranes are in downtown L.A.?” he asked.

Raman, also serving on the L.A. City Council, addressed job losses due to automation and AI. “It’s on us to fight back,” she stated, supporting workers nationwide. Master carpenter Joseph W. spoke about the difficulty of affording homes built by workers. In 1977, his father bought a Norwalk house for under $50,000, now valued near a million dollars. “That’s 20 times what my dad paid,” he reflected, at 55, while renting his home. “My wages haven’t increased 20-fold.”

Younger workers, including ILWU Local 56 members, play crucial roles in hazardous cleanup and environmental remediation. Members contributed to wildfire cleanups and fire waste removal in Boyle Heights in June. Evan Briseno, 18, aims to transition to safer work to protect his health. Francisco, 21, seeks advancement but acknowledges danger zones requiring full skin coverage. Though not politically active, both value workplace safety.

Teams included Teamsters, Service Employees International, SAG-AFTRA, and teachers with students. Mark Ramos, chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and leader of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, highlighted ongoing union efforts. These include managing self-serve checkout lines for supervising workers.