Ahead of the annual AFGE Legislative Conference, more than 1,000 workers and students braved frigid temperatures Feb. 7 to participate in the first-ever Young Worker March on Washington, organized by AFGE National Vice President Dr. Kendrick Roberson, AFGE’s, AFGE’s National Y.O.U.N.G. Committee, and AFGE’s Women’s and Fair Practices Department.
Participants marched to and from the Capitol before hearing from labor activists about the ability of collective action to effect meaningful reforms for current and future generations. The event was centered on a “Young Workers, Real Demands” platform to secure stability and dignity for the youth workforce.
A common thread repeated during the rally was a call for higher wages for high-value workers.
“Young workers are fed up with being told to work harder, and harder, and harder, meanwhile, we take home less and less and less,” Roberson said. “We will not quietly accept a destiny as a livestock workforce, such that this country can give us the minimum to survive, while milking us for our astonishingly high value.”
Another focus for these young workers was on affordable housing.
“In 2024, it feels like you need a lottery ticket — not a paycheck — just to afford a place to live,” AFGE Y.O.U.N.G. National Committee Chair Aaron Barker said.
Data shows that the median age of first-time homebuyers in the U.S. is now 40.
Further still, the explosive cost of health care was a major point of discussion, especially how young workers are delaying medical care because they can’t afford preventative care.
The Young Worker March and rally showed immense solidarity across the labor movement and provided hope for the next generation of labor leaders.
“We, young workers, are not up next!,” Roberson exclaimed. “We Got Now!”
Other speakers at the rally were AFL-CIO President Liz Schuler, AFGE District 14 National Vice President Ottis Johnson Jr., and leaders from the following organizations: American Postal Workers Union, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Pride-at-Work, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, National Nurses United, Machinists Union, Black Youth Vote, USSA, the NAACP, United Auto Workers, and Black Voters Matter.
WFP raised more than $50,000 to help offset its costs thanks to event sponsors, including the AFL-CIO, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists.
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