Workers Will Make “Journey for Better Jobs” on March 31 to Show Union Pride

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Lorena Gonzalez, Sec.-Treasurer

“You are never strong enough that you don't need help.”

– Cesar Chavez

In organized labor, we know first hand the truth to Cesar’s words. That is why next month, in honor of Cesar Chavez’ birthday, we are coming together for one of the largest public actions in recent San Diego history. In an effort to bring together the thousands of individual workers and dozens of unions that are facing contract and organizing drives this year, we are putting together an all-worker pilgrimage throughout downtown San Diego on March 31. We know we have some strong unions here in San Diego. But we also know that we are even stronger and we win when we work together as one Labor Movement!

On March 31, we will start the day at the San Diego Convention Center and focus on an example of what works in our region. Our Convention Center operates as an all-union facility and serves as a model in management for convention operations throughout the country.

We will walk, two-by-two, through downtown and stop at rallies to highlight the Janitors’ fight for health care, AFSCME city workers’ efforts for a just contract and to stop outsourcing, SEIU state workers’ struggle for fairness in the face of state budget cuts, and the Hotel Workers’ and Construction Trades’ push to organize the tourism industry. Finally, we will end at the County Administration building where we will rally with UDW homecare workers seeking a living wage from the County Supervisors.

In our “Journey for Better Jobs,” we will be joined by members of the clergy, community members and political leaders.

But, the most important component will be the thousands of individual workers who come together as a unified movement to help raise the voices of all of our brothers and sisters that are fighting for livable wages, healthcare, and job protection this year.

When janitors, hotel attendants, stagehands, electricians, sanitation workers, retail clerks, teachers and all other union workers stand together, we all benefit.

If you are interested in joining us on March 31, please register at www.unionyes.org or call the Labor Council at (619) 228-8101.