Young Workers Rising Block Party

Thank you to all who came out to the Young Workers Rising Block Party! On Saturday, September 27, the UCLA Labor Center shut down the streets to celebrate 50 years of worker justice and put the spotlight on young workers standing up for change. It was truly beautiful to see people of all ages dancing, playing games, and eating paletas.

Check out photos from Young Workers Rising– and feel free to tag & share!

The block party also marked the start of a new young workers initiative by the UCLA Labor Center. Beginning this summer UCLA students in Labor Minor classes have been learning qualitative and quantitative research skills and conducting surveys of young worker peers. Findings will come out spring of next year.

From preliminary research, we know that young Angelenos are diverse and often must support their own families, face struggles to find jobs, and work in low-wage industries.

• 73% of young workers in Los Angeles (18-29) are workers of color.

• 1 in ten young workers have kids to support.

• Young workers face an unemployment rate (15.6%) that’s close to twice the national average.

These workplace challenges are telling of future of jobs in LA. It’s time to stand up and let Los Angeles know that youth lives matter.

We can’t thank you enough for joining us! See photos from the block party.