Solidarity is a verb.
Philly JWJ at a Teamster practice picket, July 13, 2023
Solidarity is a verb, meaning to unify in purpose and hold mutual responsibility together. History tells us that actions in solidarity with workers can be the deciding factor in victories for the labor movement. That’s why the Jobs With Justice national network are activating and mobilizing their grassroots bases to show up with the 340,000 UPS Teamsters fighting for a fair contract. If the Teamsters don’t reach a tentative agreement with UPS by August 1st, members have authorized a national strike against UPS. The stakes are high, underscoring the need for community support and solidarity in action.
What does solidarity in action look like?
To meet this critical moment in the labor movement, the Jobs With Justice network and local coalitions are organizing, mobilizing, and empowering their communities to demand that UPS deliver a fair contract with the Teamsters. From coast to coast, organizers and volunteers are rallying, knocking on doors, and sharing important resources.
Portland Jobs With Justice has been partnering with Portland DSA Labor Working Group and Oregon Working Families Party in a ‘Strike Ready’ coalition. The coalition kicked off its series of events on June 25 with a Solidarity BBQ. Hundreds of union supporters turned out. Portland Jobs With Justice Co-Chair Russell Lum spoke:
“JWJ is a coalition of 100 labor groups where we work on mounting our fights together, threading them together, backing them with more grassroots support & militancy.”
Highlighting the mounting public support for the Teamsters in the fight for a fair contract, Portland JWJ is hitting the streets, knocking doors to recruit fair contract supporters, and providing solidarity yard and window signs. (Want your own sign to display? Print-ready posters can be found here.)
On the other side of the country, Philadelphia Jobs With Justice is partnering with Philly AFL-CIO, Philly DSA, and Teamsters Local 623. Through various community meetings, panel discussions, and solidarity events Philadelphia is sending the message loud and clear to UPS: Philly is a union town and they support a fair contract for the 340,000 UPS Teamsters.
Pallavi Rao, Organizer & Strategic Researcher with Philly JWJ says:
“We know this fight is bigger than just UPS workers–it’s a fight for the more than 10,000 logistics workers in one of the city’s fastest-growing industries.
These workers looked out for our city during a deadly pandemic while making UPS the most profitable it's ever been. They deserve respect and dignity on the job, safer working conditions, and fair pay. We’re out here because we’re one union, one family.”
