The heat and humidity were intense during the Labor Day Parade on Sept. 10, but no more so than the emotions surfacing from the sea of blue and white umbrellas carried up Fifth Avenue by hundreds of UFT members. “Now, more than ever, unions have to show who they are,” said David Mahl, an art teacher at James Madison HS in Brooklyn. “I felt a responsibility to march — especially with recent attacks on unions, and Donald Trump talking about right to work. Unions are such an important part of the fabric of the United States.”

Mahl said he was happy t o see more spectators at this year’s parade. “It’s a great day for labor, especially for educators, who are out in force at this crucial time,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew.

Denise Saget, the chapter leader at PS 126 in the Bronx, said she wanted to “motivate our members.” Her walking companion, Craylyn Dillard-Skinner, the chapter leader at PS 88 in the Bronx, added, “Friedrichs may have passed but there are other threats right behind it,” referring to the Supreme Court case that threatened the ability of public-sector unions to advocate for their members.

Aaron and Albert Ng, both now in their 20s, for years have walked alongside their mom, Patty, a 2nd-grade teacher at PS 42 in Manhattan, at the Labor Day Parade. “The bigger the group, the more attention you get,” said Aaron. And the louder the chants of “Hill-a-ry!” as the UFT contingent passed Trump Tower.
 

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“I want to back up Hillary Clinton,” Patty Ng said. “If Donald Trump takes office, we’re in trouble. Wherever the money flows, that’s where he stands. We have to protect our rights.”

Bradley Alter, a special education teacher at the Spring Creek Community School in Brooklyn, said it’s important to show “we are united.” The uncertainty of the political climate, he said, “makes this demonstration of numbers so much more important.”

UFT marchers wore their hearts on their sleeves, donning T-shirts that said: Workers Count, Workers Vote; Passion and Promise; Solidarity; Teachers are the Future; Kick A-- for the Middle Class. Even Jack, the service dog accompanying UFT founder George Altomare, had his say. Jack’s T-shirt said simply “Hillary.”

Tim Rankin, the chapter leader at the Bronx Alliance MS, summed up the prevailing sentiment. “I realize I am a member of an extremely important institution and I have a responsibility as part of that institution,” he said. “The union has a great deal of power to effect change.”

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