AGMA Chorister Megan McFadden and her children prove that no one is too young to participate in collective action. In today’s AGMAzine spotlight, Megan shares how even the youngest amongst us can be taught the value of collective power and the meaning behind unions. She discusses not growing up in a union household and how she “fell into the labor movement by accident,” but soon came to appreciate the beauty of solidarity. Since then, her children have accompanied her on the picket line and at Labor Day parades.
Megan’s full essay can be read on page 19 of the Winter 2025 issue of AGMAzine.
Union Babies: Bringing Up the Next Generation
By Megan McFadden
I didn’t grow up in a union household. Quite the opposite: my parents seemed to think of them as corrupt or getting in the way. I fell into the labor movement by accident—both of the AGMA Delegates for the Opera Philadelphia chorus were stepping down, and there was a call for volunteers to fill the gap.
Not long after becoming a delegate for Opera Philadelphia, the organizing effort began in earnest at the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir, and I was able to be a part of that. Through that process, I started to witness unions supporting each other.
When we leafletted before a performance, we were joined by members of AFM, IATSE, and even a few Teamsters. This was also my first chance to expose my daughter to the labor movement. She was one at the time and happily wore her AGMA button, handing leaflets to concertgoers.
After that evening, she joined me in leafleting for Starbucks Workers United and on the picket line for TUGSA (Temple University Graduate Students’ Association) at Temple University. Her little brother is nine months old, and he’s already been on the line with AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) District Council 33 and was part of the Labor Day Parade this year.
At every action we joined, we were met with open arms. It didn’t matter where you were from; all that mattered was that we were all there to support the cause. We never stayed longer than the kids had the attention and interest for. My daughter, in particular, loved picket lines with music and clapping. Labor actions have been my favorite way to show my children community.
My children will grow up knowing that our collective power across all unions is great and important. I am teaching them to look after others and advocate for themselves. My AGMA babies will hopefully grow up to fight for collective bargaining rights and fair contracts. Solidarity Forever!