Celebrate a safe, ethical Independence Day

The following is from Labor 411:

2020 will be the year that we celebrate America’s birthday in an especially challenging environment. Between a global pandemic, massive unemployment, and civil unrest spurred by the murder of George Floyd and nationwide systemic racism, many of us may not feel like celebrating. We understand that. But for those who choose to celebrate our nation, Labor 411 urges safety. Avoid large gatherings, practice social distancing and buy time-honored, American-made products made by companies who treat their workers fairly and give them a voice on the job.

Happy 4th of July. Let’s all stay safe and help build a stronger America.

Coolers — Rubbermaid (IBEW)

Sunscreen — Bain de Soleil (AFGE), Coppertone (IBT)

Grills — Weber (Genesis, Summit, Q Series) (IUANPW)

Hot Dogs — Ball Park (UFCW, IBT), Butterball (UFCW, IBT), Hebrew National (IBT, UFCW), Hormel (IBT), Oscar Mayer (UFCW, IBT)

Ice Cream — Ben & Jerry’s (BCTGM), Breyers (BCTGM, IBT), Good Humor (IBT), Prairie Farms (IBT)

Snacks — Cheez-It (BCTGM), Fritos (BCTGM), Lays (IBT), Mission (IBT), Ritz (BCTGM, IBT), Ruffles (BCTGM), Sun Chips (BCTGM, IBT), Triscuit (BCTGM), Wheat Thins (BCTGM, IBT)

Beer — Budweiser (IBT, IAM), Coors (IUOE, IBT), Miller Genuine Draft (UAW, IAM, IUOE, IBT), Pabst Blue Ribbon (UAW), Sam Adams (IBT, IUOE, SEIU)

Personal Protective Equipment — Face Masks by Ethix Merch (Allied Printing Southern California Trades Council, UFCW)

To view more union-made products, visit our online directory.

Also, courtesy of the AFL-CIO’s Union Label and Service Trades Department, here are six ways you can celebrate America’s birthday on July 4th while also supporting family-wage union jobs.

1. Grill some union-made burgers and dogs.

Try: Alexander & Hornung, Ball Park Franks, Dearborn Sausage, Hebrew National, Always Tender Pork Tenderloins, Excel Fresh Meats, Farm Fresh, Farmer John, Hormel

2. Top your meal with union-made toppings.

Try: Gulden’s Spicy Brown Mustard, Heinz Ketchup, Open Pit, French’s, Franks Red Hot, Vlasic Brand Pickles, Amaral Ranches Lettuce

3. Try some union-made bread.

Try: Alfred Nickles Bakery, Stroehmann, Arnold, Francisco

4. Pile some union-made side items on your plate.

Try: Van Camps Baked Beans, Suddenly Salad, Betty Crocker Specialty Potatoes, Amaral Ranches Broccoli, Andy Boy, Frito Lay Chips and Snacks, Kraft Foods, Lays Potato Chips and Dips, Mission Foods, Heinz Baked Beans

5. Enjoy some union-made beverages.

Try: Barq’s Root Beer, Tropicana, Dr. Pepper, Welch’s Juices, Minute Maid, Hawaiian Punch, Mott’s, Sprite, Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Coke, Diet Coke

BEER — Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser, Landshark Lager, Leinenkugel Brewing Co., Michelob, Miller Lite, Milwaukee’s Best, Natural Ice & Light, O’Doul’s, Shock Top

WINE — Almaden, Bartles & Jaymes, Black Box, C.K. Mondavi, Carlo Rossi, Charles Krug, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, Corbett Canyon Vineyard, Dubonnet, Fairbanks, Franzia, Gallo Estate Wines, Robert Mondavi, St. Supery, Turning Leaf.

6. Take care of your skin with these union made sunscreen and lotions.

Bain De Solei, Coppertone, Caress Skin Care, Solarcaine, Avon