Labor Day 2013: Press and Parade preview

Laboring against low-wages, hostile politicians

The day before Labor Day, NC State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer MaryBe McMillan will be on the radio program News & Views w/Chris Fitzsimon to talk about how job growth in low-wage industries is closing the door to the middle class for many North Carolinians.

What: MaryBe McMillan radio interview
When: Sunday, September 1 at 6:45 and 7:30 AM
Where: Over the air in the Triangle on WRAL-FM (101.5) and WCMC-FM (99.9)

Catch a preview of MaryBe's interview on News & Views:

“Folks cannot get by on $7.25 an hour, and it’s long overdue we raise the minimum wage, make it a living wage, index it to inflation so we are not going another decade or so without a wage increase.”

Need to listen online? Check back here on Monday for a link to the full interview.

Labor Day press conference w/NC NAACP

On Labor Day, the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP will join us for a Labor Day press conference where workers will talk about workers' struggles in North Carolina.

What: Labor Day press conference
When: Monday, September 2 at 11:00 AM
Where: House of Labor, 1408 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27605

David v. Goliath on News 14 Carolina's "Capital Tonight"

MaryBe McMillan will be going up against Lew Ebert, President of the NC Chamber of Commerce when she sits down with Tim Boyum of the New 14 Carolina program, Capital Tonight, for an interview and discussion set to air on Labor Day.

NC Chamber was the behind the scenes architect of sweeping, cruel cuts to unemployment insurance in North Carolina, changes which became law on July 1, immediately costing 70,000 North Carolinians their federal emergency benefits with up to 170,000 losing that last lifeline by the end of the year.

What: MaryBe McMillan v. the Chamber of Commerce
When: Monday, September 2 at 7:00 PM and midnight

Capital Tonight covers politics from across North Carolina and can be seen by Time Warner Cable subscribers across North Carolina on News 14. More info at http://capitaltonight.news14.com/.

Charlotte Labor Day Parade

Charlotte Labor Day Parade returns to its usual route for 2013

The 14th annual Charlotte Labor Day Parade will be held Monday September 2nd at 11 am.

Organized by the Labor Day Parade Committee and local unions, the parade honors the accomplishments of organized labor in our country, our region, and in our community. This year's parade returns to its usual uptown route down North Tryon Street from 9th Street through the Square, turning on 3rd Street, then ending up on College Street. It features local labor union floats, vehicles, and marchers. The parade also features political candidates, stepping groups, bands, car clubs, beauty queens, and community groups. What: Come out for an old-fashioned "Union Made" parade! When: Monday, September 2 at 11:00 AM. (Pre-parade assembly begins at 8:00 AM) Where: Parade assembly at 701 North College Street, Charlotte, NC 28202; Parade begins at the Hal Marshall Center. Contact Ben Lee, parade chairman, at 704-877-6916 or [email protected] for more information. Check out the parade website at http://charlottelabordayparade.shutterfly.com and join the parade on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CLDPC. Always remember those who fought, suffered, and died for workers' rights, the 40-hour week, vacations, healthcare, grievance structure, and the never-ending fight against discrimination, intimidation, and harassment. Please never take it for granted.