On November 1, four days before Election Day, union leaders and rank- and-file member packed the steps of Brooklyn’s Borough Hall in a colorful, lively and diverse snapshot of New York City’s working class. They gathered to show their solidarity in supporting Bill de Blasio for mayor of New York City and to remind working New Yorkers from every quarter how crucial it is to get out and vote on Tuesday, November 5.

The joyful gathering proudly contradicted the splintered labor movement often portrayed in the media. Numerous unions and professions were represented at the event, including 1199SEIU’s healthcare workers, and building service workers from its sister union, Local 32BJ. Also out in force were contingents from the United Federation of Teachers, AFSCME’s District Council 37, workers represented by the Hotel Trades Council and a large group of New York City’s FDNY – Uniformed Emergency Services Personnel.

“New York City will once again become a city for working people,” said 1199SEIU President George Gresham told the crowd. “For far too long only the wealthy have felt welcome here.

“Now we are on the verge of making sure we have a champion once again. After 20 years of Republican leadership, we are on the verge of having a champion in City Hall again.”

Speaker after speaker echoed Gresham’s theme: Mayor Bill de Blasio will bring working women and men back to the table in the city they built and keep running. De Blasio was given a hero’s welcome when he arrived, followed a few minutes later by his wife Chirlane McCray who was also greeted by loud cheers and applause. De Blasio, clearly feeding off of the energy of the crowd, was smiling and joking. He expressed gratitude for labor’s support and talked about how workers have for too long been seen as the enemy by city government.

“The reason we have become a middle class nation is because of the labor movement,” said de Blasio. “The best thing we can do for the people of New York City, the best public policy, is more people in unions so the city is strong and their neighborhoods are stronger.”

De Blasio asked the audience for just a few more days - like coach pushing his team to victory and reminding them that the finish line is in the distance. “Now is not the time for complacency,” he said. “We have to communicate that if we want these changes we have to own it. Now it’s for keeps. Bring the message forcefully and leave it all on the field.”