2024 Labor Day Parade in NYC brings out thousands of union members

NEW YORK -- The 2024 New York City Labor Day Parade stepped off a celebration of workers' solidarity on Saturday.

Tens of thousands of workers representing more than 200 unions came together along the parade route in Manhattan.

This year's theme was "All Workers, Many Voices, One Fight," which highlighted their common goal of advocating for fair treatment.

The theme of last year's parade was "We Organize, We Rise," as several labor groups were on strike at the time, including the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA.

The parade in New York City is the oldest and largest Labor Day parade in the U.S.

Thousands of proud union members celebrate Labor Day in NYC

Saturday's rain didn't stop the parade; laborers showed up, as they always do, proudly walking and driving their work vehicles down Fifth Avenue.

"A representation of what we do. Look at the backdrop. We built this and we maintain it," said Robert Durante, chief of the Steamfitters' Local 638 and a 25-year member of the union.

Plumbers, stagehands and elevator workers are just some of the integral threads that make up the fabric of the city, and Saturday's parade. Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams and Sen. Chuck Schumer were among those attending.

"Labor built New York. We're fighting hard for labor. Labor keeps the middle class, the middle class, it helps people climb ladders up into the middle class. I love labor," Schumer said.

Celebrants from at least 200 unions had some much-needed fun, especially as some say it's been a difficult year for some union workers.

"There's a lot of Steamfitters that are out of work right now. So this parade is just to let everyone know that ... unions are still strong and we hope that they continue to hire union workers," said Charlotte Job, of Dix Hills.

"I've had a layoff here and there," said John Reese, with Local 1 Elevator Constructors.

Reese was at the parade with his 10-year-old stepdaughter Isabella, and said it's important kids learn about the significance of what their loved ones do every day.

"Every union... this country doesn't move without it. That's the truth. Whatever we do, it's all about this and our families. That's what union strong means," he said.

2024 Labor Day Parade route & street closures

The 2024 Labor Day parade stepped off from 44th Street and 5th Avenue at 10 a.m. Saturday. It marched north to 64th Street.

These streets were closed along the parade route at the NYPD's discretion, according to the NYC Department of Transportation:

Formation:

• 44th Street between Broadway and Vanderbilt Avenue
• 45th – 47th Street between 7th Avenue and Vanderbilt Avenue
• 48th Street between 7th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• Vanderbilt Avenue between 43rd Street and 47th Street

Route:

• 5th Avenue between 44th Street and 72nd Street

Dispersal:

• 5th Avenue between 67th Street and 72nd Street
• 67th – 70th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue

Miscellaneous:

• 5th Avenue between 63rd Street and 64th Street