Labor Day Parade Highlights Concerns Over Automation and Union Influence

Thousands gathered in Wilmington for the Labor Day parade, shedding light on serious workforce concerns amidst festive activities. Jesse Munoz, longshoreman and member of International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 13, highlighted the impact of automation in eliminating over 2,000 jobs in the past 15 years. He voiced worries about foreign-owned companies potentially reducing workers and worsening conditions.

“The concern is the future,” Munoz said. “I have a son on a list to become a casual worker, hoping someday to be a union member. But the future isn’t as promising as we’d like.” He added, “Eliminating jobs affects taxes and pensions.”

The parade in Wilmington was part of nationwide Labor Day celebrations, which are often used for campaigning during midterm elections. The holiday was first celebrated in New York City in 1882 and became a legal holiday when President Cleveland signed an act in 1894.

Union representation increased by 463,000 workers in 2025, as per data from the pro-labor American Prospect, with national union density slightly rising from 9.9% to 10%. However, the private sector still lags at 5.9%, mostly gaining from government employment.

Munoz shared his thoughts on President Trump’s tariffs, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing, although they have led to price hikes. “Stop the tariffs and automation,” Munoz urged. “Help build the economy with workers, not politicians.”

Despite Democratic leanings in the crowd, one longshoreman expressed support for President Trump. He noted, “We’re better off than during Biden’s tenure.” Meanwhile, Jordan Gonzales, a 20-year longshoreman, showed concern for outside trade work. “People prefer office work,” he said.

School bands played during the parade, including San Pedro High, Banning High, and Port of Los Angeles High. Delegations marched with their union chapters, while restored and modified cars entertained spectators.

The Longshoremen’s & Warehousemen’s Memorial Assn. welcomed politicians at a pre-parade breakfast. Xavier Becerra, Democratic candidate for California governor, thanked union members and stressed the importance of remembering roots. “Work hard for election day. November 3rd is ours, like Labor Day,” he said.

Both Los Angeles mayoral candidates, Karen Bass and Nithya Raman, attended. Mayor Bass emphasized the city’s union-backed unity, despite challenges from Trump. Bass received strong endorsements from labor leaders, except for the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, which supported Raman.

Doug Hicks, vice president of the Carpenters Union, highlighted L.A.’s need for housing development. Raman focused on fighting automation’s job reducing effects. “It’s our duty to fight back alongside workers,” she said.

Joseph W., a carpenter, remarked on the unaffordable housing. His father bought a home for less than $50,000 in 1977, now worth nearly a million. “I don’t earn 20 times what my dad did,” he said.

Young workers from ILWU Local 56, the ship scalers union, faced hazardous cleanup tasks. Evan Briseno hoped for safer work, while Francisco aimed to advance in his trade despite workplace risks.

The parade included various unions like Teamsters and SAG-AFTRA, alongside teachers and students. Mark Ramos, chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and UFCW’s president, discussed managing self-serve checkout lines as a union priority.