Solidarity

‘Unity (as of a group or class) that produces or is based on community of interests, objectives, and standards’

                                -  Merriam-Webster definition

What do you think of when you hear ‘solidarity’? Do you think of major movements, such as Women’s Rights Marches or the Black Lives Matter movement? Do you think of moments at work where you and your co-workers stood together to be heard? What about more personal experiences, such as rallying behind a loved one fighting cancer or bringing awareness to gun violence, autism, and so on?

            All of the above are acts of solidarity. It usually starts with one voice and grows until it is a roar. It is a force of nature when many come together to fight for common goals. That is how ‘Red Shirt Wednesday’ started. In August 1989, Gerry Horgan was killed when a scab crossed the picket line as they were fighting for a better contract. His union brothers and sisters started to wear red in memory of him and his fight on the picket line. The UAW International picked up on the idea of wearing red to show solidarity for those who have died fighting for better contracts as well as to show we stand together for the working class.

            We wear red for the blood spilled while fighting for better working conditions. We wear red to show that we stand together despite our differences and despite the narrative of JIT versus Sub and vice versa. There are times when a loud, boisterous movement is needed, but the red shirts are a more subtle, yet just as powerful movement. Let’s show we are always ready to make that stand for and with each other! Wear red on Wednesdays (and Fridays for C crew)!