September 10, 2024 — Across the state, PEF members and their families came out by the hundreds to celebrate Labor Day with parades and picnics.
In Region 3, hundreds of members and leaders, including Vice President Randi DiAntonio and Regional Coordinator Leisa Abraham, hit the streets to participate in the Rochester Labor Day parade. In addition to celebrating Labor Day, PEF marchers urged people to vote in the upcoming elections with “Union Strong Voter” and “Vote Labor” signs.
“I am so proud and honored that so many members, retirees and their families joined us to show solidarity and the power of coming together as one, even when it was difficult for them,” said Abraham. “On a day that they could have chosen to stay home or do other activities, they chose to be Union Strong!”
Region 7 Coordinator Barbara Stransky spent months working together with fellow unions to highlight the need to “Fix Tier 6,” designing themed t-shirts for the 44th Annual Solidarity Parade and Picnic in Massena and joining the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2032 with its decked-out float. Hundreds of members marched to drive home the need for reform.
On Labor Day in Region 4, hundreds took part in the traditional end-of-the-State Fair parade and PEF made a strong showing.
“It was an awesome turnout celebrating labor!” Region 4 Coordinator Monica Moore said. “Thank you to all members who participated!”
In Region 1, members joined the Western New York AFL-CIO for its Labor Day parade, where this year’s theme was to “honor those who have been lost in the fight for workers’ rights” and “pledge to continue their legacies by advocating for safer working conditions, fair wages, and respect for all workers.”
Region 8 members participated in the Michael Burns Labor Day Celebration picnic, sponsored by the Capital District Area Labor Federation Labor Day Parade Committee, Solidarity Committee and Greater Capital Region Building and Construction Trades. They enjoyed good food and great company in Clifton Park, coming together with unions from across the Region to “honor and appreciate the hard work, dedication and contributions of workers everywhere.”
New York City celebrated Labor Day on September 7 with its traditional parade. Although PEF did not formally participate, PEF President Wayne Spence, PEF Vice President Darlene Williams, and Region 10 Coordinator Tamara Martin were invited to join a contingent of labor and elected officials at the front of the parade as it made its way up Fifth Avenue.
