Avis Teamsters Set to Rally at Atlanta Airport on Martin Luther King Day
On January 19, 2026, Avis Rental Car workers, represented by Teamsters Local 528, will come together for a rally at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to advocate for fair labor contracts and better wages ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This significant event will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. at Avis Car Rental, located in College Park, GA.
A Gathering for Justice
The rally will not merely feature union members; it will also include state and local elected officials as well as community supporters, all united in the cause of achieving economic justice for laborers. The Teamsters aim to highlight the essence of Dr. King's legacy through their demands, emphasizing that every worker deserves a living wage and respectful working conditions. This approach aligns with the broader societal goal of economic justice that Dr. King championed during his esteemed life.
Approximately 100 Teamsters employed at the airport will participate, primarily working in customer service and taking roles as ramp and gate agents for Avis. Their visible presence will signal a pivotal moment in their ongoing battle to secure a fair contract, vital for their economic well-being.
The Need for Economic Justice
In a press statement, union representatives spoke passionately about the significance of this day, stating that it serves as a reminder of the continuing struggle for equity and justice in today’s labor market. "We are standing on the shoulders of giants like Dr. King, who paved the way for workers' rights and demanded dignity for all," said a union leader, underscoring the need for their employer to respond to the call for fair wages.
Workers express their frustrations over stagnant wages, high living costs, and the disparity in pay relative to their immense contributions to the company. Their rally will serve as a platform to articulate these grievances and push for negotiations that reflect the dignity of their work.
Political Support and Solidarity
Prominent figures, including Georgia State Representatives Lydia Glaze and Gabriel Sanchez, along with Atlanta City Councilmember Kelsea Bond, are expected to join the rally, demonstrating political solidarity with the Teamsters’ mission. Their presence underscores the expectation that economic reform is not just a union concern but a societal imperative.
This year's gathering takes on additional meaning as it coincides with the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an occasion that commemorates his profound impact on civil rights and social justice in America. The Teamsters are poised to use this powerful context to amplify their message, sending a clear signal to Avis management about the urgency of their demands.
Details of the Rally
- - Who: Avis Teamsters, Teamsters Local 528, political leaders
- - Where: Avis Car Rental, 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337
- - When: January 19, 2026, from 9 to 10 a.m.
This event is not just a union rally; it represents a collective call for justice in the workplace, a reminder that the struggle for fair labor practices continues. As the Wolf of Wall Street poignantly reminds us, in the pursuit of profit, we must not lose sight of the people who uphold the very foundation of our economy.
The Teamsters hope this rally will inspire ongoing dialogue and lead to actionable changes that embody Dr. King’s dream of equality and economic justice. They invite the community and anyone interested in supporting labor rights to join them in standing up for fair contracts and living wages this Martin Luther King Jr. Day.