Labor Day Parade 2023, Manhattan, New York
NYC 911 call responder, Jessica Welch, said she participated in the 2023 parade for the first time in thirty years because there was not enough participation from union members. She said, “My demands is for more money, as usual, like everybody else we wanna be able to give our family their fair share when it comes to getting money and paying for things because a loaf of bread used to be 99 cents and you were able to make sandwiches, right? Now a loaf of bread is almost $4. And is it good bread?” Labor Day Parade, Sep 9, 2023. Click here to read a linked print story
Postal union workers chant on 5th avenue across from the Plaza Hotel during Labor Day Parade. Sep 9, 2023. Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Photo by Vandana Saras
D.C. 37 Union member, Jahmila Edwards, celebrates the accomplishments of the year by attending the Labor Day Parade, Sep 9, 2023.
When asked what some of the milestones were, she said, “Definitely our contracts, our new contracts. Over 16% compound wage increases, remote work pilot program, enhancements to our health and security funds.” New York City. Photo by Vandana Saras
A member of the Nurses Association holds a sign inside the designated bus during Labor Day Parade, Sep 9, 2023. On 5th Avenue, Upper East Side Manhattan, New York City. Photo by Vandana Saras
Participants from the DC 37 union start the march in the morning toward 5th avenue. Union Workers march during the Labor Day Parade in New York City. Midtown Manhattan. Sep 9, 2023. Photo by Vandana Saras
A mother picks up her son who is soaked in sweat and sleepy during the last part of the parade in Upper East Side Manhattan. Labor Day Parade, Sep 9, 2023. New York City. Photo by Vandana Saras
DC 37 Union members cheer after arriving near the end of the parade. Upper East Side, Manhattan. Labor Day Parade, Sep 9, 2023. New York City. Photo by Vandana Saras
A hospitality worker and his son attend the Labor Day Parade, Sep 9, 2023. Rolando Saldana’s son, Oliver (left), Rolando Saldana (right).
Rolando Saldana said, “The union help us to resolve all these small issues, guarantees our jobs, and also offers great benefits such as like medicals, paid holidays, paid sick days, because of union we enjoy all these benefits. So it’s important for us to come support today.” New York City. Photo by Vandana Saras
NYC 911 call responder, Jessica Welch, participates in the 2023 parade for the first time in thirty years because she said that there was not enough participation from the union members. When asked her what her current demands were, she said, “My demands is for more money, as usual, like everybody else we wanna be able to give our family their fair share when it comes to getting money and and paying for things because a loaf of bread used to be 99 cents and you were able to make sandwiches, right? Now a loaf of bread is almost $4. And is it good bread?” Labor Day Parade, Sep 9, 2023.
Union Workers March in Manhattan during Labor Day Parade in New York City. Photo by Vandana Saras
SSEU Local members cheer near the end of the parade in Upper East Side Manhattan. Labor Day Parade, Sep 9, 2023. New York City. Photo by Vandana Saras
Transport Workers Union members pause before completing the last leg of the parade. Central Park Southeast, Manhattan. Labor Day Parade, Sep 9, 2023, in New York City. Photo by Vandana Saras
Portrait of 1099 SEIU lady in purple at the end of the parade on the Upper East Side. Union Workers march in Manhattan during Labor Day Parade in New York City. Sep 9, 2023. Photo by Vandana Saras
Hotel and Gaming Trades council float members make jokes, laugh and pose for photos in Midtown Manhattan. Labor Day Parade, Sep 9, 2023. New York City. Photo by Vandana Saras
Nurses Association members celebrate at the conclusion of the parade. Upper East Side Manhattan. Labor Day Parade, Sep 9, 2023. New York City. Photo by Vandana Saras
The back of Postal workers’ T-shirt displays some of their demands as their bus approaches Bulgari and Tiffany stores in midtown Manhattan. Union Workers March in Manhattan during the Labor Day Parade in New York City. Sep 9, 2023. Photo by Vandana Saras
The Retirees Association participants call their demands near the end of the parade in the Upper East Side, Manhattan during the Labor Day Parade, Sep 9, 2023. New York City. Photo by Vandana Saras
New York Choy Lay Fut Lion Dance Team holds a performance on the parade route on the Upper East Side, Manhattan. Union Workers march during Labor Day Parade in New York City. Sep 9, 2023. Photo by Vandana Saras
A couple holds signs in support of FDNY EMTs and medics and hands out fliers outside the parade barricades on 5th Avenue, Upper East Side, Manhattan. Union Workers march during Labor Day Parade in New York City. Sep 9, 2023. Photo by Vandana Saras
A 1099 SEIU Union member showcases an intricate hat on the Upper East Side. Union Workers March in Manhattan during the Labor Day Parade in New York City. Sep 9, 2023. Photo by Vandana Saras
A canine parade participant poses for a portrait in Midtown, Manhattan. Labor Day Parade, Sep 9, 2023. New York City. Photo by Vandana Saras