NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WMZQ) – Residents from around Marquette County came together this Labor Day to highlight and appreciate the region’s local union organizations. Around 12 unions and hundreds of members met at Jackson Park to commemorate the holiday’s significance, next to live music, food trucks, and a cornhole tournament.
No matter the field, labor leaders around the county share a particular trait of advancing fairness and the voices of U.P. workers, while providing them with lasting benefits.
“You certainly see better healthcare, pensions, retirements, and almost always at least 15% higher wages,” explained U.P. Regional Labor Federation President Adam Saari. “When we say ‘it’s better in a union,’ it really is.”
On the ballot for county board this fall, Marquette City Commissioner Cody Mayer says while speaking around with members and families at the event, the coming election season has sparked a higher than normal interest amoung participating labor unions.
“There’s a lot going on at the national, state, and local level, and people are paying attention,” he said. “There’s a great opportunity for work that we could be using highly skilled local labor for, instead of contracting people from out of state or from downstate. I’d say a lot of people are really fired up for it.”
Saari also says anyone interested in local unions should never pass up on the opportunity.
“We have such a strong and storied labor history in Marquette County and beyond,” he said. “You can come talk to people here. These are like-minded individuals, and today was a great turnout.”
