Getting Ready for Labor Day 2009

Events to be held in Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Wilson

If you know of a Labor Day event being held where you live, please let us know so we can share the information with our readers.

Western NC Solidarity Picnic in Asheville (9/6)

The Western North Carolina Central Labor Council is organizing a Solidarity Picnic on the day before Labor Day, Sunday, September 6, 2009 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.

Where:124 Sardis Rd Asheville, NC

When: Sunday, September 6 from 2-5:00 PM

This is a family event, so feel free to bring the whole family. There will be a bounce house for the kids, a magic act, and a trivia contest for kids and adults. Live music will also be provided. WNC CLC President Mark Case on the reason for the first annual Solidarity Picnic:

"We need solidarity now! What better way to show and gain Solidarity than letting Union Brothers and Sisters meet each other, break bread with each other, and enjoy the company of each other during these trying times? One union-one voice! We need a time of joy, and this is it!"

Teamsters Local 61 will be cooking hot dogs for the kids, and there will be a catered BBQ meal for the adults.

For more information, contact Mark Case at (828) 215-8883 or [email protected].

Charlotte Labor Day Parade (9/7)

The Charlotte Labor Day Parade Committee will hold its annual parade on Monday, September 7, in downtown Charlotte. While the event attracts wide attention from news media, elected officials, and the public, broad participation by union members is important.

Where: Tryon & 10th Streets, Charlotte, NC

When: Assembly at 9 AM, parade at 11 AM

Parade assembly begins at 9:00 AM at Tryon and 10th Streets, and the parade begins at 11:00 AM. The route proceeds through the Square and ends at Tryon and 3rd Streets.

Last year's parade drew about 70 entries with floats, trucks, cars, marchers, stepping groups, politicians, and bands. Your labor union is also invited to participate. For more information, including how your union can become a sponsor, contact Ben Lee at 704-877-6916 or [email protected].

Good Old Fashion Labor Day Picnic in Raleigh (9/7)

The Wake County Democratic Party is hosting a special Labor Day picnic at the Raleigh Elks Lodge from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Labor Day.

Secretary of State, Elaine Marshall, will be the keynote speaker at the picnic, with special invited guests, the Moncure Strikers. All federal, state, and local elected officials and candidates have also been invited.

The picnic will include a performance by the MLK Children's Choir plus music and dancing. Food will be catered by The Pit Bar-B-Que (plus a cash bar).

The Raleigh picnic will also include another fun event, the Sweet Victory Dessert Tasting & Auction. To enter your own dessert, submit a recipe to Joanne Casey by September 1, and bring two completed desserts - one for tasting and one for auction - to the picnic.

You can buy tickets online at www.wakedems.org or call 919-828-5656 for more information.

Labor Day Banquet in Wilson (9/7)

GMP Local 193 will host a Labor Day Banquet in Wilson. The banquet will be held at the Westwood Community Center in Wilson. For more information, contact Tommy Langston at 252-292-5003.