Chicago’s Labor Day Parade returned to the Pullman neighborhood for the second year in a row on Saturday, bringing together workers and their families to celebrate the hard-fought victories of the labor movement. The parade, organized by the Chicago Federation of Labor, stepped off at 107th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, with nearly 60 floats from various union groups and organizations.
“I’m excited,” said Bob Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor. “Labor Day weekend in Chicago is a happening time.”
The parade was a vibrant display of unity and solidarity, with workers from all walks of life coming together to celebrate their shared values and accomplishments. Politicians also marched along the route, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, showing their support for the labor movement.
“This is what it looks like when labor can come together as a family and celebrate really what the labor movement was about,” said Mike Volpentesta, president of Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois for the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union.
Volpentesta, whose union represents more than 7,000 members, spoke about the challenges that workers still face today, including worker misclassification. He emphasized the need to hold not just contractors, but also developers and banks accountable for exploiting workers.
“The right laws are in place to go after contractors, but I want to go after the developers, the banks, and those that fund these types of scrupulous activities that are cheating the workers,” he said.
The Pullman neighborhood has a rich history and connection to the labor movement, as it was the site of the famous Pullman Strike in 1894. The fight for fair wages and working conditions has been a long and ongoing struggle, and the Labor Day Parade in Pullman serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by workers in the past.
NBC Chicago had the opportunity to speak with two brothers, Alfonso and Ray Quiroz, who are the last two Pullman railroad workers still living in the neighborhood. Both brothers worked at the Pullman Company, building train cars from 1959 until the plant closed in 1982. They also participated in the 1977 strike, fighting for the rights of workers.
“I’m very happy to be involved in the Labor Day Parade representing the people of Pullman who worked here for over 100 years,” said Alfonso Quiroz.
His brother Ray added, “Today, I don’t think there’s that same level of respect between unions and management. There’s a separation. I wish it could go back to the way it was in the 1950s when we first started working.”
As workers and their families gather to celebrate this day, they are also reminded of the progress that has been made and the challenges that still lie ahead. The labor movement has faced many obstacles, but it has always stood strong in its belief that workers deserve fair treatment and respect.
“Unions are not the enemy,” said Volpentesta. “We’re not against the working people, we’re here for the working people.”
The Labor Day Parade in Pullman is a testament to the power of unity and the determination of workers to fight for their rights. As we celebrate this day, let us also remember the sacrifices made by those who came before us and continue to stand in solidarity with workers everywhere. Happy Labor Day!
