By Victoria Andrews
Labor Day, summer’s last hurrah, takes on a somewhat different tone in these uncertain times. For the extremely wealthy, everything’s fine, maybe even better than fine. But for most working people, the almost daily threats to their status quo mean nothing can be taken for granted, including the safety of their jobs.
Are tariffs already impacting you or your employer? Are you an immigrant or do you work with anyone who is in fear of ICE raiding their jobsite? Governor Bob Ferguson said Thursday on national TV:
“We all need to be out there in peaceful protest.”
There’s a lot at stake to protect:
- Workers’ rights
- Fair hiring and wages
- Healthcare
- The right to unionize
- The right to be safe at work
Rally is Monday, Sept. 1 at Big Catch Plaza
Citizens who may be stressed out about the way things are going in America are encouraged to take time this Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, from Noon – 2 p.m. to join with others in solidarity. Make a creative sign, bold and clear, that says exactly how you feel. Then bring it down to Big Catch Plaza anytime between 12-2 p.m. for the Workers Over Billionaires demonstration.
Organizers are hoping people will show up in numbers to wave at motorists, cheer when they honk in support, and make noise. Because while our vote is our voice, it is a long time yet before we can use that voice to tell our elected leaders that we Do Not Like What They Are Doing…Or NOT Doing. You’re encouraged to let them know that we are not going away and that we are watching.
Seniors for the Constitution and Des Moines Indivisible are co-sponsoring this rally on Labor Day instead of the usual first Saturday. Upcoming events are Saturday, September 20, 12-2 pm, and Wednesdays, September 10 and 24, 3-5 p.m., all at Big Catch Plaza on the corner of 216th and Marine View Drive (map below). Water and additional signs are available. Car-pooling is suggested, and there is parking in nearby lots and on side streets, but people are asked to be considerate of shoppers trying to park near plaza businesses.
The Des Moines Food Bank is so appreciative of the generosity of rally-goers, who have brought cash donations to each recent rally. Working people rely on them to cover what their salaries can’t, like summer meals for kids and over 150 backpacks for them every weekend, plus 250 home delivery boxes each week. Our food bank serves 5,700 different individuals monthly. Stop by the food bank table Monday – any amount helps enormously.
