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On Saturday, IAM members braved the heat and joined the Mass Poor People’s Low Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington, D.C. to address issues of poverty, inequality, and workers’ rights. Organized by the Poor People’s Campaign, this march brought together low-wage workers, labor activists and faith leaders from across the nation to advocate for economic justice and policy changes that support the poor and disenfranchised.
A key focus of the assembly was to emphasize the critical role of low-wage workers in the democratic process. As the nation approaches the upcoming elections, the campaign highlighted the power of their vote in shaping policies that directly impact their lives. The event underscored the importance of low-wage workers making their voices heard at the polls to drive systemic change.
“During a period in which low-wage workers are often overlooked as essential workers, the Mass Assembly Morality March highlighted the experiences of impoverished and low-wage individuals. This movement aims to rouse the silent majority by emphasizing that the votes of millions of poor and low-wage individuals are not merely gestures of support but rather represent the essential demands we wish to see political candidates address,” said IAM Human Rights Director Nicole Fears. “We seek to compel these candidates to take a stance on the pressing issues affecting poor and low-wage workers, urging faith leaders, labor representatives, and other advocates and partners to unite in demanding a moral policy agenda.”
Speakers at the event included community leaders, labor organizers, and religious figures who shared personal stories and proposed solutions to combat poverty.
Bishop William J. Barber II urged these voters to rise up and take a stand.
“We are the swing vote,” said Barber. “Together we have the power to make a difference and take this nation to higher ground.”
The event was a rallying cry for empowerment, reminding low-wage workers that their votes are a powerful tool for advocacy and change.
“Let us rewrite the narrative of our nation by abolishing poverty, not as a statistic but as the fourth leading cause of death, paving the way for a future where every life is valued and every dream is within reach,” said Fears.
To learn more and take action, visit the Poor People’s Campaign website.
