(This article appeared in the March/April 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine)
The APWU has a rich history of fighting for the rights of postal workers, consistently demonstrating our commitment to solidarity, justice, and equality. From negotiating fair wages and benefits to fighting against unfair labor practices, the APWU has been a steadfast champion of postal workers’ rights. Our collective efforts have led to improved working conditions, better pay, and enhanced benefits, improving the quality of life of postal workers. The labor movement, led by unions like the APWU, has provided a voice for workers and advocated for policies that benefit working-class Americans.
The labor and Civil Rights movements are intertwined, with many union leaders playing key roles in the fight for racial equality. Two notable examples that demonstrate the deep connection between these movements are the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike. The March on Washington, held on Aug. 28, 1963, was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, with hundreds of thousands of Americans gathering on the National Mall to demand equal rights and opportunities for African Americans. Labor unions played a crucial role in organizing the march and providing support.
The Memphis sanitation workers’ strike of 1968 was another powerful example of the intersection of the movements. It was sparked by the deaths of two African American sanitation workers who were crushed by a malfunctioning truck, highlighting the poor working conditions and discriminatory practices faced by Afri-can American workers in the South. Led by figures like Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AF-SCME) Local 1733, the strike drew national attention to the struggles faced by African American workers and the need for solidarity and collective action.
The labor movement has long recognized that the fight for workers’ rights is inextricably linked to the fight for civil rights and social justice. By standing together and demanding better working conditions, wages, and treatment, workers can build a more just and equitable society. This legacy of solidarity continues to inspire new generations of activists and organizers and remains a vital part of the labor movement’s mission and values.
The labor movement continues to play a crucial role in advocating for economic justice, fairness, and equality for all working people. From fair compensation and benefits to fighting against systemic racism and inequality, unions strive to build more just and sustainable economies that put people over profits. Today, we still face challenges from policies and actions that seek to divide us, like the aggressive immigration enforcement tactics tearing families apart and stoking fear in our communities. The labor movement stands in solidarity with all workers, regardless of their race or country of origin.
The APWU’s commitment to social justice is a testament to the enduring legacy of the labor movement, and its impact will be felt for generations to come. As we face challenges like income inequality and systemic racism, the labor movement’s commitment to collective action is more important than ever, by building upon the legacies of the March on Washington and the Memphis sanitation workers, strike.
We will continue to advocate for policies that benefit working-class Americans, and we will stand in solidarity with all workers who are fighting for their rights. The labor movement’s commitment to solidarity and collective action is not just a moral imperative; it is also a practical necessity.
By standing together, we can achieve great things. As we move forward, we will continue to draw on the lessons of our past, and we will continue to fight for and build a world that is more just, equitable, and prosperous, and that values the contributions of all workers and provides opportunities for all people to thrive.
The post United We Stand: The Intersection of the Civil Rights and Labor Movements first appeared on APWU.