Historically, Boston has hosted labor parades since the early 20th century, but recent events have shifted towards larger, more public displays of worker activism.

Governor Maura Healey and Senator Elizabeth Warren participated in the march, criticizing policies they say harm workers, such as cuts to research funding and attacks on social safety net programs.

Union leaders highlighted that this year's protest was more inclusive and representative of rank-and-file workers, emphasizing the importance of street activism over traditional private events.

The parade's theme was 'workers over billionaires,' underscoring the ongoing struggle against economic inequality and corporate greed.

Darlene Lombos stated that attacks on communities are attacks on the workforce responsible for building the city, state, and democracy.

The event coincided with ongoing labor disputes, including a Teamsters strike against Republic Services affecting local communities and services.

On Labor Day, thousands of union members and community allies participated in a historic parade in Boston, demonstrating worker solidarity and highlighting the importance of public demonstration over traditional private celebrations.

This Boston march coincided with similar events nationwide, including a rally in front of Trump Tower in New York, emphasizing a unified stance against policies affecting workers.

Speakers and participants focused on issues like federal job cuts, rollback of collective bargaining rights, attacks on immigrant workers, and recent canceled federal projects such as offshore wind in Rhode Island, which led to job losses.

Darlene Lombos, President of the Greater Boston Labor Council, described the event as a political statement against billionaires' influence on democracy and against cuts to vital programs like infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

The parade marked two months since a strike by Republic Services employees, who are demanding fair pay for trash workers in affected neighborhoods.

The protest also responded to the federal government's layoffs of around 200,000 workers and ongoing union lawsuits against these actions.

Labor leaders expressed concern over uncertainties related to federal programs and funding that support workers and their families.

Organizers emphasized that the fight for workers' rights is too important to be confined indoors, symbolizing the need for public street activism.

This historic parade, organized by the Greater Boston Labor Council, replaced the traditional Labor Day breakfast at the Park Plaza Hotel, reflecting the urgency of the current labor movement.

The parade route included significant locations such as Boston Common, School Street, BlackRock offices, Faneuil Hall, SEIU Local 32BJ site, JFK Federal Building, and Boston City Hall Plaza.