While a national poll this week showed labor union approval in the United States is the best it’s been in nearly 15 years, the West Virginia AFL-CIO is grateful that West Virginians as a whole have consistently been even more supportive of unions and appreciative of the achievements of working people.
“The kind, generous working families of this state are what makes West Virginia a truly wonderful place to live,” WV AFL-CIO President Josh Sword said. “This Labor Day weekend, we look forward to joining together in celebration of the people who form the bedrock of our state and country, and the unions that fight for them.”
A Gallup poll released this week found public support for labor unions is the highest it’s been since 2003, at 61 percent. Locally, another poll conducted in 2016 by Public Policy Polling showed unions to be “wildly popular” in West Virginia, with a favorability of 69 percent, and that a large majority said West Virginia would be worse off with lower union membership.
“West Virginians know that unions are standing up and fighting the disparity between wealthy special interests and the politicians they pay for, and the people who are working hard to support their families, pursuing the American dream, and finding it very difficult,” Sword said. “When working people have the freedom to join together to negotiate a fair return for their work, they win the power and voice they need to level the playing field.”
As West Virginians enjoy spending time with family and friends this Labor Day weekend, the West Virginia AFL-CIO invites residents to attend one of the many parades and events in the state, including the following:
Marion County Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Annual Labor Day Celebration & Picnic
Sunday, September 3, 2017
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Hough Park, Mannington WV
Additional info contact Mark Dorsey:
(304) 777-7642 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Southeastern Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Workers United 863/ LIUNA 1182
Annual Labor Day Celebration & Picnic
Sunday, September 3, 2017
11:00am – 6:00pm
Valley View Country Club – White Sulphur Springs, WV
Additional info contact Peter Bostic:
(304) 667-3863 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
United Mine Workers of America
79th Annual Labor Day Celebration & Picnic
Monday, September 4, 2017
11:30am – 4:30pm
John Slack Memorial Park, Racine WV
Additional info contact Brian Lacy:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / (304) 541-3948
Paden City Labor Day Parade
Monday, September 4, 2017 / 1:00pm
(12:00 p.m. line up at the South End of Town)
7:30pm Jimmy Fortune Concert
(A former member of the Statler Brothers)
Brought to you by the Unions of the
Marshall-Wetzel-Tyler Labor Council, AFL-CIO
and Gold Khourey & Turak - Attorneys at Law
Additional info contact BB Smith:
(304) 545-7781 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
City of Marmet’s Labor Day Parade
Monday, September 4, 2017 / 9:00am
(8:00am line up at Marmet Elementary)