Labor Day 1939: A March for Workers' Rights

This silent film captures the spirit and solidarity of Labor Day celebrations in the late 1930s, likely from 1939. The footage starts with a close-up of Harry Bridges, the prominent labor leader associated with the International Longshoremen's and Warehousemen's Union (ILWU), shortly after the Sign Painters Union passes by.

The bulk of the film then focuses on an impressive parade of longshoremen marching up Market Street in San Francisco, heading towards the Civic Center. The sequence is filled with scenes of union members proudly displaying their banners, marching in unison, showcasing the strength and unity of the labor movement at the time. While the longshoremen are the most prominently featured, there are also glimpses of other unions participating in this parade, reflecting the broad coalition of workers from various sectors coming together to celebrate Labor Day.

This documentary serves as a historical record of labor solidarity, highlighting the significant presence and influence of unions like the ILWU during a period of economic recovery and labor reform in the United States.