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An AFSCME Tribute to Dr. King in Houston

AFSCME float at Martin Luther King Day parade
AFSCME NOW! Float draws cheers at the
Martin Luther King Jr. parade in Houston.
Photo Credit: John Hanson
"AFSCME NOW"'s float highlighted a three-hour parade that wound its way through Houston's downtown streets as thousands cheered participants with shouts of "Happy Birthday, Martin."

The parade was one of many events held across the country in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who would have turned 77 on Sunday.

With its message of "A New Day for Houston City Employees," AFSCME NOW's float was designed to showcase the workers' campaign for union recognition with AFSCME, under the new "meet-and-confer" law. For years, city workers have been fighting to win better pay and benefits on a level with police and firefighters who have meet-and-confer rights. AFSCME successfully lobbied the state legislature to extend those rights to all city employees.

"We have a long and proud history of involvement in the fight for civil rights," said President McEntee in his tribute to Dr. King. "In 1968, Dr. King supported the struggle for raises, rights and respect by AFSCME sanitation workers in Memphis. Today, Houston employees are keeping Dr. King's spirit alive by fighting for a voice at work."

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