(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Ahead of the annual American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Legislative Conference, more than 1,000 Workers and students braved frigid temperatures to participate in the first-ever Young Worker March on Washington - which was organized by AFGE National Vice President Dr. Kendrick Roberson, AFGE’s National Y.O.U.N.G. Committee and AFGE’s Women’s and Fair Practices Department.

Participants marched to and from the Capitol before hearing from Labor Activists about the ability of collective action to effect meaningful reforms for current and future generations.

The event was centered on a Young Workers, Real Demands platform to secure stability and dignity for the Youth Workforce.

A common thread repeated during the rally was a call for higher wages for high-value Workers.

“Young Workers are fed up with being told to work harder, and harder, and harder, meanwhile, we take home less and less and less,” Roberson said. “We will not quietly accept a destiny as a livestock workforce, such that this country can give us the minimum to survive, while milking us for our astonishingly high value.”

Another focus for these young Workers was on affordable housing.

“In (2024), it feels like you need a lottery ticket - not a paycheck - just to afford a place to live,” AFGE Y.O.U.N.G. National Committee Chair Aaron Barker said.

Data shows the median age of first-time homebuyers in the U.S. is now 40.

Further still, the explosive cost of health care was a major point of discussion, especially how young Workers are delaying medical care because they can’t afford preventative care.

The Young Worker March and rally showed immense solidarity across the Labor Movement and provided hope for the next generation of Labor Leaders.

“We, young Workers, are not up next!,” Roberson exclaimed. “We Got Now!”

Other speakers at the rally included National AFL-CIO President Liz Schuler, AFGE District 14 National Vice President Ottis Johnson, Jr. and leaders from the following organizations: The American Postal Workers Union (APWU); the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA); the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance; Pride-at-Work; the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU); National Nurses United (NNU); the International Association of Machinists (IAM); the Black Youth Vote; the NAACP; the United Auto Workers (UAW); and Black Voters Matter.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: AFGE | Young Workers March on Washington

Photo Courtesy Of The AFGE’s Website.