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 honoring the achievements of America’s working people.
“This Labor Day weekend, as we celebrate the working families of our country, especially here in West Virginia, we are also thankful that unions continue to enjoy the support of the public,” WV AFL-CIO President Josh Sword said. “According to a Gallup poll released this week, an ever-increasing percentage of Americans, 64%, approve of labor unions -- one of the highest union approval ratings Gallup has recorded over the past 50 years. And unions have polled even higher in West Virginia.
“Everyday working people know that unions force employers to offer higher wages, and unions have brought about workplace standards such as the 8-hour work day, paid vacation, healthcare benefits, overtime compensation, paid sick leave, pensions, maternity leave, and child labor laws.”
WV AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Andy Walters noted another new report shows a direct link between a decline in union membership and stagnant wages and rising inequality.
“Most people see through the false promises of economic prosperity the giant corporate interests are selling as they spend hundreds of millions of dollars to buy politicians willing to push laws that weaken unions and hurt working families,” Walters said. “They see the very rich getting richer, CEO compensation has grown 940% since 1978, while the typical worker compensation has risen only 12%, and national union density has declined from about 25% to about 10% over the same period.
“We are grateful that people recognize that unions are fighting to change all that.”
The following Labor Day celebrations will take place Sunday and Monday:
Marion County Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Annual Labor Day Celebration & Picnic
Sunday, September 1, 2019
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Hough Park, Mannington WV
Featured Speakers Include:
UMWA President Cecil Roberts and UMWA Secretary-Treasurer Levi Allen
Meet 91 year old “Rosie the Riveter” Anna Hess
Additional info contact Mark Dorsey:
(304) 777-7642 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Workers United 863/ LIUNA
Annual Labor Day Celebration & Picnic
Sunday, September 1, 2019
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.
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United Mine Workers of America
81ST Annual Labor Day Celebration & Picnic
Monday, September 2, 2019
11:00am – 4:30pm
John Slack Memorial Park, Racine WV
During this year’s September 2nd celebration, you are invited to participate with
UMWA President Cecil Roberts and UMWA Secretary-Treasurer Levi Allen
in a one mile march to reflect on the largest labor uprising in United States history,
the August 25 – September 2, 1921 “Battle of Blair Mountain” led by the UMWA.
President Roberts, Sec.-Treasurer Allen and others will start their march in Marmet,
and they will march 11 miles to John Slack Memorial Park in Racine.
Those that wish to participate in the one mile march must be at
John Slack Memorial Park by 11:00am on September 2nd where you’ll be transported
by bus to meet President Roberts, Sec.-Treasurer Allen and the others
for the one mile march back to the park.
Additional info contact Brian Lacy:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / (304) 541-3948
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Marshall-Wetzel-Tyler Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Paden City Labor Day Parade
Monday, September 2, 2019 / 1:00pm
(12:00 p.m. line up at the South End of Town)
“Free” 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.
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Kanawha Valley Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Will participate in the City of Marmet’s Labor Day Parade
Monday, September 2, 2019 / 10:00am
(8:30am line up at Marmet Elementary)
Additional info contact WV AFL-CIO:
(304) 344-3557 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.