September 8, 2025 — PEF members marked Labor Day with solidarity and community spirit across New York State, attending several Labor Day parades and picnics to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with allies in the labor movement, and remind New Yorkers of the essential work they do every day.
In Region 1, members joined the Western New York Area Labor Federation and other union members in Buffalo for the annual parade, followed by a cookout in Cazenovia Park.
Nearly 85 members carrying signs that said, “Don’t Cut Public Services”, “Standing Up for All Workers” and “Public Services Make America Great!” marched in Region 3’s Rochester Labor Day Parade. Several politicians joined the hundreds of union members and families from dozens of affiliates of the Rochester Labor Council, including Assemblymembers Harry Bronson, Josh Jensen, Jen Lunsford and Demond Meeks, as well as State Senator Samra Brouk.
At the New York State Fair in Syracuse, members in Region 4 enjoyed family games, face painting, food and fun before hundreds of participants from multiple unions, including 1199, CSEA, IBEU, SEIU, Stagehands Local 9, and UUP, marched around the fairgrounds. U.S. Rep. John Mannion, along with State Senator Chris Ryan and Assemblyman Al Stirpe were among the nearly 400 marchers.
In Massena, about 80 Region 7 members turned out for the annual Solidarity Parade, which attracted more than 1,100 union siblings and their families, including AFGE Local 1968, CSEA, IBEW, SEIU 1199, the Teamsters and UUP. State Senator Dan Stec and Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman (who’s running for State Assembly) marched alongside the unions. After the parade, participants enjoyed a free picnic in Springs Park with food and family fun.
VIDEO FROM WWNY-TV: Massena celebrates organized labor, workers’ rights with annual Solidarity Parade
At the Michael L. Burns Labor Day Celebration in the Capital Region (PEF Region 8), sponsored by the Capital District Area Labor Federation, members turned out in force for the free annual event, joined by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Rep. Paul D. Tonko, Assemblymember John McDonald, Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero, State Senator Patricia A. Fahy, Albany Co. Legislator Dustin Reidy, and Albany Mayoral Candidate Dorcey Applyrs. A press event was held prior to the cookout, with union members and legislators speaking out against federal cuts and the impact they will have on State services.
VIDEO FROM WRGB-TV: NY officials join union workers in national ‘Workers Over Billionaires’ day of action
The New York City Central Labor Council Parade took place on its traditional date, the Saturday after the holiday. PEF President Wayne Spence and Vice President Darlene Williams were joined on Sept. 6 by the PEF Regional Coordinators from Regions 9-12 and about 200 members for the route from East 46th Street up 5th Avenue to Central Park. PEF members rode on and marched alongside a custom float urging New York State to “Fund Our Future” and “Invest in the Public Workforce.” Along the way, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and various State lawmakers thanked PEF members for the work they do.
