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2021 Statewide Labor Day Events & Activities

Alyssa Hansen
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With Labor Day weekend on the horizon, we are reminded of how fortunate we all are to count ourselves among the ranks of Tennessee's working people. In yet another year that has continued to test our membership like never before, we have persevered while showing the importance of our movement and the solidarity that comes with it. Throughout the South, many of our brothers and sisters have done the same. Whether it's the brave employees at Amazon's Bessemer, Alabama warehouse, their nearby neighbors in Brookwood who have been on strike against Warrior Met Coal since April, or the members of the Air Engineering Metal Trades Council at Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma who went on strike in July before securing a fair contract, workers are standing up to corporate special interests and demanding that they be treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve. By sending a clear message of what solidarity looks like, working families are more empowered than ever before.

As we all know, Labor Day is a time to celebrate all that we've accomplished while recommitting ourselves to the important work that still needs to be done. In Tennessee, that to-do list is quite long and includes ongoing preparations and planning in the fight to defeat the "Right to Work" constitutional amendment, which will go before voters in just over 14 months. Below is a list of some of the celebrations and other happenings that are taking place through Monday, September 6th. Due to the recent rise in COVID cases throughout the state, masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged (if not required by event organizers) at each of these celebrations. For more information, simply click on the name of each event. If needed, e-mails with specifics about any late additions will be sent out. Be sure to keep an eye out on Labor Day as well for a special message in several media outlets and your inboxes from Tennessee AFL-CIO President Billy Dycus. Mark your calendars today, and make plans to attend one (or several) of these celebrations; we look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday, September 4th

8th Annual Labor Day Parade & Celebration
  • Line-up begins at 8:30 a.m. CT, parade begins at 9:00 a.m. CT
  • Hosted by the Central Labor Council of Nashville & Middle Tennessee
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 538 100th Anniversary & Labor Day Celebration (Johnson City)
  • Begins at 11:00 a.m. ET
  • Catered food and drinks will be available, as well as family-friendly activities
  • UA General President Mark McManus will be in attendance
  • Hosted by the Upper East Tennessee Central Labor Council
2021 Pre-Labor Day Pop-in and Vaccination Pop-Up
  • Begins at 12:00 p.m. CT
  • Food will be available, and volunteers from the Memphis Fire Department will be on site to give COVID-19 vaccinations
  • Hosted by the Central Labor Council of Memphis & West Tennessee, Memphis for All, WIN, and APRI

Monday, September 6th

Labor Day Picnic & Celebration of Worker Solidarity
  • Begins at 10:30 a.m. ET
  • Hosted by the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Central Labor Council, Chattanooga Central Labor Council, and other community groups