Thousands of union workers, family members, and supporters marched through Wilmington on Labor Day. The parade had a festive atmosphere, but participants held serious concerns about job security. Jesse Munoz, a 63-year-old longshoreman from International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 13, expressed worries about automation eliminating over 2,000 jobs in 15 years. He feared foreign-owned companies would further reduce the workforce and worsen conditions.
Munoz said, “The concern is the future.” His son aims to become a regular union member, but prospects seem uncertain. Munoz warned that reducing the workforce would slash taxes and pensions.
The Wilmington rally joined nationwide Labor Day events, a holiday celebrated since 1882. In 1894, President Cleveland established the first Monday of September as a legal holiday. Now, it’s known for promotional sales and a day off for many.
Labor Day holds significance in Southern California, where the labor movement is strong. Across the U.S., union representation rose by 463,000 in 2025. National density increased from 9.9% to 10.0%, but private-sector union density remained at 5.9%.
Munoz criticized former President Trump’s tariffs, urging a focus on bringing back manufacturing jobs. “Stop those tariffs and stop this automation,” he said. “Help the economy build itself up again with the workers.”
During the parade, some attendees showed support for Trump. One worker noted, “We’re a lot better than when [President] Biden was in.”
Jordan Gonzales, a longshoreman, shared concerns about the future of trade work. “A lot of people would rather be in the office and in the AC,” he said, enjoying a union hall breakfast and looking forward to his 12-year-old’s performance.
School bands and union delegations paraded, with L.A. Mayor Karen Bass leading shore workers. Politicians, including gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra, addressed the crowd, thanking union members for their work and support.
Bass praised the city and union movement for resilience, despite challenges from Trump. She affirmed support for labor: “L.A. is a labor city, and I am there with you 100%.” Bass has strong backing from labor leaders, though the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters endorsed opponent Nithya Raman.
Doug Hicks, the council’s vice president, emphasized the need for more housing in L.A.
Raman acknowledged job losses due to automation and AI: “It is up to us to step up and fight back.” Joseph W., a master carpenter, highlighted the growing gap between wages and housing costs, recalling his father’s affordable 1977 home.
Young workers from ILWU Local 56, known as the “ship scalers” union, shared concerns about dangerous working conditions. Evan Briseno, 18, hoped for a safer job, while 21-year-old Francisco aimed to advance in the trade despite safety risks.
Additionally, unions like Teamsters, Service Employees International, SAG-AFTRA, and teachers participated. Mark Ramos, chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and UFCW president, highlighted the challenge of managing self-serve checkout lines for workers.
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