John – There’s a new labor movement underway in America and around the world. But who’s actually fighting for workers?

In celebration of Labor Day tomorrow, we’d like to take a moment to highlight the work our BNC representatives have done to fight for stronger unions, fair wages, and equality for all.

One year ago the New York Taxi Workers Alliance began a hunger strike to demand a bailout for taxi drivers trapped in predatory loans. One of their earliest and fiercest advocates was BNC’s Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. After 45 days of organizing, and with the support and publicity drawn by congressional leaders, their demands were met. The taxi drivers won.

Photo of Rep. AOC (pictured right and wearing a black hoodie) seated at a table with striking taxi drivers. Behind them is a banner that says “Hunger Strike. End Cabbie Debt. Justice, Rights, Respect, and Dignity” with the website for the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, NYTWR dot org.

In March 2021, BNC Reps. Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman traveled to Bessemer, Alabama to support Amazon workers organizing for a union. The union vote in Bessemer was riddled with fraud and union-busting interference by Amazon, but the pressure brought by celebrities, union leaders, and elected representatives like Jamaal and Cori fueled the union movement.

The Amazon Labor Union, led by Christian Smalls who was terminated by Amazon for organizing for safe working conditions during the pandemic, later won when their Staten Island fulfillment center voted to unionize earlier this year.

Photo of Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush standing before the entrance sign for the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Bessemer, AL. Next to them is a campaign sign that says “Our community supports Amazon workers. Vote Union YES!” Jamaal is wearing a dark blue suit with a white button down shirt and a face mask that says “Class of 2020” representing the year he was first elected to Congress. Cori is wearing dark pants with a checkered print and a black leather jacket with a face mask that says “Good Trouble.” Both are holding their fists in the air.

In February of this year, BNC Rep. Rashida Tlaib joined striking baristas at a local coffee shop in Detroit who were protesting unsafe working conditions during the pandemic. Over 200 members of the community turned out alongside Rashida calling on the owners of Great Lakes Coffee to provide COVID-19 protections, increase wages and recognize their workers’ union.

Rashida told striking workers:

“For me to show up is important, it’s critical. It’s not just about me voting in Congress, but me staying connected to the pain on the ground and the challenges my residents are going through everyday.”

Protesters outside of the Great Lakes Coffee shop in Detroit carrying signs that say “Great Lakes Coffee Unfair to Workers, ON STRIKE”. Pictured in the center is Rep. Rashida Tlaib, wearing a black coat with a faux-fur trimmed hood, and a black face mask for pandemic protection. She is holding one of the signs.

BNC representatives firmly believe that EVERY worker deserves a union – that’s why earlier this year BNC Rep. Andy Levin introduced a resolution to allow congressional staffers to unionize. The measure passed, and the staff for Andy Levin, Cori Bush, and AOC were among the first offices to file their union petition less than two months ago.

A photo of Rep. Andy Levin standing at a lectern outside the U.S Capitol building. On the front is a sign that says “Congress Union NOW!” Standing behind him are staff members and other congressional representatives, including Reps. Ro Khanna, Cori Bush, Ilhan Omar, and Ted Lieu who are all visible. Two of the staffers are holding signs that say “From Amazon to Starbucks to the U.S. Congress.”

These are just a few of the stories we can tell about the incredible work our BNC reps are doing in Congress. From pushing for the PRO Act to showing up on the front lines, their advocacy has helped propel the modern labor movement forward.

That’s why we are working so hard to grow their ranks, and we need your help. Can you pitch in $25 or $50 today to help us grow progressive power in Congress?

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For too long, politicians have paid lip service to unions. They show up to pander for union endorsements while they cash fat checks from the same corporate bosses that crush worker rights.

Solidarity is a verb, John. Workers need representatives who understand their pain and will show up every single time to fight by their side.

That’s what our representatives stand for, and we will keep fighting until everyone has justice, dignity, equity, and safety at work.

A graphic depicting two photos blended together. The photo on the left is a black and white photo taken in 1928 during a Textile Workers strike in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The photo on the right is a color photo taken in 2022 of striking Amazon workers.

In solidarity,

The entire team at Brand New Congress

Since 2016 BNC has led the way in advancing popular policies like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal and electing bold progressive fighters. We recruited and elected AOC in 2018 and Cori Bush in 2020. With seven BNC Reps currently in office, we are growing progressive power in Congress.

This November we’re working to flip multiple red seats, fill open seats with bold progressives, and elect our first BNC Senator by defeating Rand Paul.

Pitch in today and join us as we take over Congress and return power to the people.

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