Boston Makes History with First-Ever Labor Day Parade
Today, Boston marked history with the city’s first-ever Labor Day Parade, led by the Greater Boston Labor Council and community partners, including CBTU. It was more than a parade—it was a celebration of workers’ victories, a call to action for justice, and a joyful reminder that it’s always better in a union.
Morning Kickoff at the State House
The day began at the Massachusetts State House with powerful opening remarks from Chrissy Lynch, President of the MA AFL-CIO, introduced by Colleen Glynn of IATSE Local 11. From there, voices rang out in solidarity:
Darlene Lombos (President, GBLC) and Chaton Green (Business Agent, BBTU) welcomed union families to the celebration.
Jessica Tang, President of AFT Massachusetts, inspired the crowd with the Workers Over Billionaires line-up.
Governor Maura Healey delivered solidarity remarks, underscoring the importance of worker power in shaping Massachusetts’ future.
Marching for Workers’ Power
At 10:30am, the parade kicked off from Beacon & Park Streets, weaving through Boston Common and marching proudly to City Hall Plaza. The route was lined with music, dance, and joy, as union bands and community performers—including the Musicians Union Marching Band, Good Trouble Brass Band, BABAM Marching Band, Northeastern Pep Band, Terca Club, Circus Up, and the Roberto Clemente Dancers—brought the movement to life.
Leading the way was Grand Marshal Jimmy Williams, General President of IUPAT, embodying the strength and resilience of workers everywhere.
City Hall Plaza Program
The march ended at City Hall Plaza, where the energy only grew stronger. Chaton Green (BBTU) and Tiger Stockbridge (AFSCME Council 93) kicked off roll call shout-outs, followed by reflections from community allies including Natalicia Tracy (CLU), Laura Rotolo (ACLU), and Reverend Willie Bodrick II (Twelve Baptist Church).
The crowd roared as Boston Mayor Michelle Wu delivered the keynote, introduced by Carlos Aramayo (UNITE-HERE Local 26). Solidarity remarks followed from Senator Edward Markey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, and Sara Nelson (International President, AFA-CWA).
The day closed with a powerful call to unity from Darlene Lombos and Chaton Green, reminding everyone that the fight for dignity, equity, and justice continues—and that Boston’s labor movement is stronger than ever.
Why It Matters
Boston’s first Labor Day Parade honored the victories of workers past, uplifted the struggles of today, and energized the vision for tomorrow. It was a celebration of solidarity across sectors, cultures, and generations—a reminder that when workers stand together, we all rise.
Happy Labor Day from CBTU and the Greater Boston labor family!
