Thousands of union workers, their families, and supporters gathered for a Labor Day parade in industrial Wilmington. The festive atmosphere contrasted with deep concerns over future job security. Jesse Munoz, a 63-year-old longshoreman with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 13, highlighted the impact of automation on employment. He shared that over 2,000 jobs have vanished in the last 15 years, and expressed fears of workforce reductions by foreign-owned companies.

Munoz remarked, “The concern is the future,” noting his son’s uncertain prospects of progressing from a casual worker to a union member. He emphasized, “If you eliminate the workforce, you eliminate taxes. You eliminate pensions.” The parade was a part of nationwide Labor Day events, which also serve as prime campaign platforms for politicians during midterm elections.

Labor Day, first celebrated in New York City on September 5, 1882, saw 10,000 marchers, and became a national holiday in 1894. In Southern California, the labor movement is notably strong politically and numerically, unlike some areas across the country. The American Prospect reported a rise in union-represented workers by 463,000 in 2025, with national union density at 10%, largely due to gains in government employment.

Munoz had a message for President Trump, urging an end to tariffs and automation, saying, “Just get the people back to work. Help the economy build itself up again with the workers, not with politicians.” Despite the primarily Democratic crowd, one longshoreman expressed pro-Trump and pro-labor sentiments, believing the economy was better now than under President Biden.

Jordan Gonzales, a longshoreman of 20 years, lamented the shift of workers from trade work to office jobs, enjoying a free breakfast before watching his daughter’s school band performance at the parade. School bands from San Pedro High, Banning High, and others participated alongside union delegations and restored vehicles.

At a pre-parade breakfast, politicians engaged with attendees. Xavier Becerra, Democratic candidate for California governor, thanked union members, emphasizing hard work leading to election day. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the city’s labor movement, criticizing Trump’s policies while affirming her support for workers. Her endorsements include strong backing from labor leaders, except for the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, which endorsed Nithya Raman.

Doug Hicks of the carpenters’ union spoke on the need for housing in Los Angeles, while Ramon advocated against automation and AI threatening jobs. Carpenter Joseph W., expressed frustration over unaffordable housing, noting real estate inflation far outpacing wages.

Local 56, the ship scalers’ union, participated, highlighting their role in hazardous cleanups, including wildfire and warehouse fire remediation. Young members like Evan Briseno and Francisco voiced concerns over workplace safety, avoiding political involvement.

Additional unions included Teamsters, Service Employees International, SAG-AFTRA, and educational unions. Mark Ramos, chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, discussed labor challenges, such as managing self-serve checkout lines.