Red for Feds Thursdays

GESTA is encouraging people to wear red on Thursdays as a sign of solidarity and support. This action is inspired by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), who used red shirt days starting in 2012 to build unity in their fight for a better contract. “Red For Feds” has now gained new traction in 2025. It may seem like a little thing, but as Labor Notes reported, “the genius of the ‘wear red’ tactic was its simplicity. It was something concrete and low-risk that a committee member could ask anyone to do, even someone who had no extra time. The visibility helped alleviate fears: co-workers could see for themselves the growing level of union support. At first, many people would just wear a red scarf or a red-patterned blouse on Fridays. But as excitement and confidence grew, more and more ordered red CTU T-shirts. Administrators noticed. Students noticed. Members loved it. Many sent in group photos of themselves at their schools, all in red, for the union website. …’This small, simple tactic built unity very quickly,’ said labor educator Steven Ashby. It’s also a great opportunity to start – or continue – talking to your coworkers about joining union actions. Encourage them to wear “Red for Feds” on Thursdays, ask them to spread the word on, and see how much support you can build from one week to the next! Anyone can participate, not just union members.