Private Sector Union UNITE HERE Sending Largest Delegation to Massive Labor Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on 50th Anniversary of Assassination

Memphis, TN – Hospitality worker union UNITE HERE will be mobilizing over 2,000 workers from across the country to join public sector union AFSCME in a major labor demonstration celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the labor movement’s involvement in worker rights. UNITE HERE’s 2,000 worker delegation will be the largest from any union participating besides AFSCME, and is a reflection of the union’s long time commitment to racial justice through worker organizing.

“Worker rights are civil rights, and civil rights cannot be achieved without worker rights,” said D. Taylor, International President of UNITE HERE. “The workplace injustices that are why Dr. King was on the picket line with Memphis sanitation workers 50 years ago remain today. UNITE HERE raises the standards for people of color across the country, changing lives by winning living wages, safe working conditions, and dignity at work.”

Lindell Lawrence, an African American United Airlines Catering worker in Newark, New Jersey, is fighting to organize a union with UNITE HERE at his job. Lindell came to Memphis to participate in the mobilization. “I’m proud to march in Memphis with UNITE HERE to recognize the strength and courage of those AFSCME sanitation workers who went on strike 50 years ago. I’m even more proud to walk that walk at home, as I fight for a union for myself, my co-workers, and my community.”

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UNITE HERE represents 270,000 members working in the hotel, gaming, food service, manufacturing, textile, distribution, laundry, transportation, and airport industries in the U.S. and Canada.