Labor Day: September 3, 2007

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

"Labor Day differs in every essential way from the other holidays of the year in any country," said Samuel Gompers, founder and longtime president of the American Federation of Labor. "All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day...is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, race, or nation."

Charlotte Labor Day Parade

The 9th annual Charlotte Labor Day Parade will be held Monday September 3rd at 11 am. Organized by the Charlotte Labor Day Parade Committee in conjunction with the Southern Piedmont Central Labor Council, the parade honors the accomplishments of organized labor in our country, our region, and in our community. The parade through uptown Charlotte features local labor union floats, vehicles, and marchers. The parade also features political candidates, stepping groups, bands, car clubs, and community groups.

Always remember those who fought, suffered, and died for our worker rights, the 40 hour week, the weekends, retirement, and healthcare; and please never take it for granted.

When: Monday, September 3rd at 11:00 a.m.

Where: Starts at Tryon and 10th Streets, down Tryon Street through the Square, and ending at Tryon and 3rd Streets.

Route: Parade begins at the Hal Marshal Center, proceeding down Tryon Street, through the Square, and ending at Tryon and 3rd Streets.

Canton Labor Day Weekend Extravaganza!

The Town of Canton, NC pulls out all the stops for Labor Day, holding a whole weekend of events. For all the details, including times & tickets, visit the Canton, NC web site.

At the time of this e-mail update, Canton's Labor Day festivities are well underway. Amusement rides at the Canton Recreation Park have been open since Thursday and will continue through the weekend until 11pm Monday night. Last weekend, the town held its annual Miss Labor Day Pageant.

On Saturday, September 1, the Mayor & Alderman's Labor Day Ball will be happening from 8:00pm-11:00pm. Tickets are $50 per couple, and the event will be held at the Old 30th Signal Armory.

The Labor Day Parade starts Monday morning at 10:00am in downtown Canton. The Western North Carolina Central Labor Council will be on hand, sharing a parade float with Smokey Mountain Local 507 (USW). Stick around after the parade for a long day of free entertainment including musical performances, dancing, and all around great times.

State Fed Officers & "Norma Rae" in Labor Day Interviews

Earlier this week, President James Andrews sat down for an interview on News and Views with Chris Fitzsimon, to air in the Triangle on Mix 101.5 this Sunday morning from 7:30-8:00am. James will be in good company, as the North Carolina News Network (NCNN) will also air an interview with Crystal Lee Sutton (aka Norma Rae), who now lives in Burlington, NC.

Other NCNN affiliates at various times over the Labor Day weekend:

WLNK-FM 107.9 CHARLOTTE
WPYB-AM 1130 BENSON
WBAG-AM 1150 BURLINGTON
WDUR-AM 1490 DURHAM
WFAY-AM 1230 FAYETTEVILLE
WGBR-AM 1150 GOLDSBORO
WIZS-AM 1450 HENDERSON
WHKY-AM 1290 HICKORY
WSME-AM 1120 JACKSONVILLE
WLXN-AM 1440 LEXINGTON
WKXU-FM 102.5 LOUISBURG
WYRN-AM 1480 LOUISBURG
WCMC-FM 99.9 RALEIGH
WRAL-FM 101.5 RALEIGH
WTSB-AM 1090 RALEIGH
WAYN-AM 900 ROCKINGHAM
WSTP-AM 1490 SALISBURY
WTAB-AM 1370 TABOR CITY
WENC-AM 1220 WHITEVILLE
WTXY-AM 1540 WHITEVILLE
WYNC-AM 1540 YANCYVILLE

If you can't tune in this weekend, the interviews will be available online beginning next weekend from the NCNN website (http://www.ncnn.com/content/view/90/99/).

Finally, Secretary-Treasurer MaryBe McMillan will be interviewed live on the air this Labor Day at 5pm on WCOM 103.5FM Carrboro.