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Fruits of labor: Candy flying in the air, signs touting candidates, and bright shirts bearing union names were all signs the Labor Day parade had begun. “We are here to celebrate working families, but also the important role organized labor played in advancing the rights of workers throughout the country and the world,” said U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse. That thought was echoed by people from union groups throughout the parade route Monday as they carried signs and banners showing support for unions and workers. When people unionized, it brought 40-hour work weeks, benefits such as health insurance and better wages, said Shelly Graf, wearing a bright orange shirt as she walked along with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 14. This time in history is a particularly important time to show union support, said Dave Duckett with the National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 59. “This country needs strong union participation. We’ve taken a hit in the last 11 years,” he said, noting the decline in union membership. Organized labor has declined in recent decades — to 12.1 percent of the working population last year from 20 percent in 1983, according to the Associated Press. As they handed out pencils, paid for by their teachers union, La Crosse Education Association, Julie Chamber-lain and Karen Acker were there to support their union, which they said ultimately supports kids getting a good education. “We need to stand together to support other unions and working people,” said Chamberlain. The parade was also a good time, prior to elections, to promote a political party. “We are here to have a good time on Labor Day and show support for the Democratic candidates before the election,” said Fred Ludwig, who was walking alongside Kind, state Rep. Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse, and others in the party. |
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