NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Labor unions from across the region held their annual labor day parade and picnic today in Negaunee.
From steelworkers to carpenters to nurses and teachers, downtown Negaunee was a sea of brightly colored tee shirts representing labor unions from across the area. The parade route took them down Iron street, past family and friends cheering them on from the curb. The parade wound it’s way through downtown and ended at Jackson Mine Park, where they had food, a beer tent and a rally. Collin Fleury of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, says events like this show unity.
“We need to unite, especially in this time, to not only benefit ourselves, but as a whole, as labor unions, now is the time, definitely, said Fleury
The Upper Peninsula has a rich history of organized labor, and according to Brian Kerrigan of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters that union spirit is alive and well today.
“labor is on a comeback. Unionization in Michigan and across the country is growing. People are understanding the value of unions and what it can do for our communities, our state and our country,” said Kerrigan.
State Representative Jenn Hill echoed the theme of the day, which is the resurgence of organized labor.
“Workers are what made this country great, what brought us the middle class, what brought us the weekend? And now labor is back on the upswing, and it’s going to be better for everyone,” said Hill.
With one of the most contentious elections only a couple of month’s away, we see many candidates courting the labor vote, often with political skirmishes breaking out over their stance on unions.
