Bernie Sanders and Mayor Mamdani Headline Union Now Rally in Manhattan

Midtown event aims to boost union power and organizing across the region

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:10pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a crowd of protesters marching with union banners, the figures repeated in overlapping, geometric waves of bold primary colors against a dark, industrial background, capturing the energy and momentum of the labor movement.The 'Union Now' rally aims to harness growing labor activism and progressive political energy to bolster union power and organizing across the region.Manhattan Today

Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are set to headline 'Union Now: Building the Labor Movement' on Sunday at Terminal 5 in Midtown Manhattan, turning the West Side music venue into a full-blown pro-labor pep rally. Organizers say the event aims to boost union power and bring together union leaders, rank-and-file members and progressive elected officials for an afternoon of speeches and live music, as unions across the region ramp up organizing drives and contract showdowns.

Why it matters

Sanders and Mamdani have been vocal advocates for labor rights and union organizing, joining striking workers on multiple occasions. This event is part of a broader national effort to rebuild union density and push back against corporate influence in the workplace.

The details

The 'Union Now' rally will feature speeches from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, as well as appearances by AFA-CWA president Sara Nelson and musician Josh Ritter. Organizers are pitching the event as a way to turn recent labor momentum into a larger organizing push, with a focus on demands around pay and working conditions.

  • The event is scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • Doors open at 12 p.m. and the speaking program begins at 2 p.m.

The players

Bernie Sanders

A U.S. Senator and longtime advocate for labor rights and union organizing.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, who has also been a vocal supporter of unions and worker protections.

Sara Nelson

The president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) union.

Josh Ritter

A musician who will be performing at the 'Union Now' rally.

Friends of Bernie Sanders

The organization hosting the event and providing event details.

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What they’re saying

“We must rebuild union density and push back against corporate clout in the workplace.”

— Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator

“Growing union membership and bargaining power is crucial for workers' rights and economic justice.”

— Sara Nelson, President, AFA-CWA

What’s next

Organizers are urging union members and supporters to RSVP and attend the 'Union Now' rally in person to show their solidarity and commitment to the labor movement.

The takeaway

This event represents a high-profile push by progressive leaders like Sanders and Mamdani to harness the recent momentum around union organizing and worker activism, with the goal of building a stronger, more unified labor movement that can challenge corporate power and advocate for better pay and working conditions.