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.
“Labor Day is a day to celebrate ALL of us, in every sector of the economy. Our story is the story of America’s workers,” said West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword. “But as we celebrate, and look to the future, it is important to honor the union members who came before us and fought for the 8-hour workday, safety protections and more -- essentials that we take for granted now.”
WV AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Andy Walters noted that once again, national approval of labor unions continues to rise. According to a Gallup Poll released this week, in 2024, 70 percent of Americans approve of labor unions.
“The vast majority of Americans have come to realize unions are the single best tool we have to right back against the historic inequity and corporate greed,” Walters said. “Across the country on this Labor Day, working people are standing up, speaking out and writing a new chapter with hope for a brighter future that includes access to good, sustainable jobs.”
The following are Labor Day events taking place this weekend:
Marion County AFL-CIO & UMWA Labor Day Celebration and Picnic
Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, noon to 4 p.m.
Hough Park, Mannington WV
Special Guest: UMWA President Cecil Roberts
Contact: Mark Dorsey, 304-777-7642, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Celebration of Labor 2024 at GoMart BallPark
Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, 4:05 p.m., gates open at 3:00 – Double Header
601 Morris St., Charleston WV
Free tickets for union members and their families
A tailgate/cookout will be held from 1-3 p.m., 600 Leon Sullivan Way for union members & families
Contact: Fred Chandler, 304-561-4857, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
United Mine Workers of America 86th Annual Labor Day Celebration & Picnic
Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, at 11 a.m.
John Slack Memorial Park, Racine, WV
Contact: Brian Lacy, 304-541-3948, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Paden City Labor Day Parade – Marshall-Wetzel-Tyler, AFL-CIO, a participant
Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, 1 p.m. (noon lineup at South End of town)
Free Jimmy Fortune Concert, 7:30 p.m. (a former member of the Statler Brothers)
Contact: BB Smith, 304-545-7781, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
*Note: Additional entertainment will be provided Saturday through Sunday starting at 2 p.m. at Paden City Park.
Marmet City Labor Day Parade – Kanawha Valley Labor Council, AFL-CIO, a participant
Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, at 10 a.m. Meet 9 a.m. at old Woody’s Goodies Store location
Wear your union apparel and bring your union banners
Contact: Elaine Harris, 304-541-7293, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.