By Mike DeNardo

– From sheet metal workers to teachers, union members marched along Columbus Boulevard this morning to celebrate Labor Day.

Hundreds of workers, each wearing their union’s colored t-shirts took to the street in an annual display of solidarity.

Ray Guzman, a teacher at Swenson Arts and Technology High School, says marching alongside laborers and janitors and white collar workers, gives him an appreciation for the rights earned by unions over the years.

“On a day like today, where you get to see people from different work forces, it kind of reminds us that a lot of people worked very hard to guarantee things that we take for granted,” Guzman said.

Including health insurance, sick leave and work rules. For many union leaders, the parade served as a political rally to energize the base for this fall’s governor’s race.

Source: http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/09/01/union-members-celebrate-labor-day-with-columbus-boulevard-parade/

PhillyLabor.com

– Dear Friends,

Just a quick note to wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Labor Day weekend.

The landscape for labor is looking better every day, especially here in Philadelphia where unions are investing our pension dollars in the city’s growing skyline and new infrastructure.  A news item this week stated that Philly has the third highest number of new construction jobs in the nation.  We are back!

I also am delighted for our brothers and sisters in District Council 33 for finally securing a new and fair contract with the city. Now, thousands of union households can breathe a sigh of relief.  Kudos to Pete Matthews and Mayor Nutter for getting the deal done.

I’d also be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to thank our police officers and firefighters for keeping us safe 24/7.  I have said it before – the only thing older than the trees on my block are my neighbors.  I’ll never forget how the firefighters doused a bad blaze on my block a few years ago before it engulfed those old trees and houses.  They are our unsung heroes.

Also, please take a moment this weekend to remember our service men and women stationed around the world, many of whom are in combat zones.  Pray for their safe returns.

Finally, a little plug for America’s Union Workers.

YOUR hard work and long-term battles for economic justice gave us this 3-day weekend!  Unions built this great country and unions will continue to keep America strong!

Don’t forget about the Labor Day parade Monday all along Columbus Boulevard.  Stop down and say hello.  Happy Labor Day!

Sincerely,

John J. Dougherty
Business Manager
IBEW Local 98