The Buffalo Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, area Labor Unions, and Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre will host a day-long back-to-school event to help local children prepare for the school year and connect community members with Union job opportunities

WHO: Buffalo Central Labor Council, 1199SEIU, NYSUT, IBEW, UFCW, Healthcare Education Project, County Legislator Lawrence Dupre, and Common Council Member Leah Halton-Pope.

 

WHAT: Union Job Fair and Back To School Giveaway 

 

WHEN: Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 9 AM – 5 PM with media availability TBD. 

 

WHERE: East High School, 820  Northampton Street, Buffalo, NY 14211

 

WHY: With the rising cost of living, many Western New York area families are facing challenges as they prepare their children to return to school. To help families start the school year strong, local organizations have collected backpacks, school supplies and hygiene kits for children and teens. 

 

This free community event will provide backpacks, school supplies, haircuts and braids for children and teens. 

 

In addition to helping parents prepare their children for a great start to the school year, a Union job fair will be held with the Building Trades and Union employers on site to provide information about good paying union jobs across Western New York. Representatives from building trades apprenticeship programs, automotive and steel, education, government, healthcare, and other industries will be available to share information about union job opportunities.

 

“For a lot of families, the end of August comes with added expenses and pressure all at once.  Getting your kids ready for school should be something a family can feel good about. Nobody should be worrying about whether buying a backpack means putting off paying another bill.  We want to make one day a little easier. Parents can come in and talk directly with people who can connect them to a job or an apprenticeship, and their kids can leave with a backpack, school supplies, and a fresh haircut. It is all here, it is all free, and everyone is welcome,” said Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre. 

 

“It’s only right for NYSUT’s Social Justice Department to actively participate in the Back-to-School Giveaway. NYSUT understands the needs of today’s students. Providing supplies to ensure the students are prepared to start school is the first step to promote student success. Addressing the needs of students outside of the classroom is one of the aspects of NYSUT’s Social Justice Department. We are proud to partner with our Union brothers and sisters,” said LaShonda Bradberry, WNY Leader, NYSUT Social Justice. 

 

“We are always looking for hard working people who want to be part of something that gives them a sense of community and belonging while also offering a well-compensated career with benefits that will provide for them during their working career and retirement,” said Matthew M. Gaiser, Assistant Business Manager, IBEW Local 41. 

 

“The duty of a truly strong labor movement is supporting more than just our members and showing up beyond when someone one clocks in and out of work. Western New York's labor community prides itself on the same ideals that make our region so special: community, care, collaboration, and giving back. This event will not only connect community members with good union jobs that will set them up for long-term success, it will also alleviate some of the financial stressors that so many families face as children prepare for the school year. We are thankful to the dozens of organizations and volunteers who are donating time, resources, and goods to support what we hope to be an annual event," said Grace Bogdanove, President of Buffalo Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO.

 

"Strong communities and strong unions go hand in hand. Events like this demonstrate the labor movement’s commitment not only to creating pathways to good union jobs with fair wages, quality benefits, and dignity at work, but also to investing in the neighborhoods and families we serve. When we connect people with opportunities for meaningful union careers, we help strengthen local economies, support working families, and build a brighter future for the entire community. UFCW Local One is proud to stand in solidarity with our labor partners as we work together to open doors, give back, and make a lasting difference," said Frank C. DeRiso, President, UFCW District Union Local One. 

 

Local organizations and business can still donate supplies for the community event.  Donations can be dropped off at 1199SEIU at 2421 Main St in Buffalo weekdays Monday – Friday from 9AM-5PM. 

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1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 400,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all.
https://www.1199seiu.org