As we gear up to celebrate working families in Tennessee and across the country this coming Labor Day, we want to take a moment to highlight both the importance of this day and standing in unison. Together, we can continue to improve the lives of all workers.
We are fortunate to count ourselves among the ranks of Tennessee's working people. Another year has passed, and our membership has proven what it’s capable of achieving against all odds. We have and will continue to persevere while showing the importance of our movement and the solidarity that comes with it. Throughout the South, many others have done the same. From the inspiring Starbucks workers who organized several stores throughout Tennessee, to the long-standing relationship between Ford and the United Auto Workers (UAW) that will lead to thousands of good, union jobs at the Memphis Regional Megasite, 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 Amendment 1, which will go before voters this November. Below is a list of some of the celebrations and other happenings that are taking place this weekend. 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 3rd
9th Annual Labor Day Parade & Celebration
- Line-up begins at 10:30 a.m. CT; parade begins at 11:00 a.m. CT
- Celebration in Cumberland Park to follow immediately afterwards
- Hosted by the Central Labor Council of Nashville & Middle Tennessee
- Event runs from 1-3 p.m. ET
- Sign-up form can be accessed here
- Hosted by the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Central Labor Council and Jobs with Justice of East Tennessee
- To avoid tipping off management, please do not post on Facebook or other social media
2022 Labor Day Fundraiser & Gala
- Event begins at 6:00 p.m. CT
- Tables and/or seats can be purchased here
- Hosted by the Central Labor Council of Memphis & West Tennessee
Sunday, September 4th
Labor in the Pulpit Events
- Compiled by the Central Labor Council of Nashville & Middle Tennessee; all services will be held in the Nashville area.
- Downtown Presbyterian Church (154 Representative John Lewis Way), 11:00 a.m. CT, Pastor Larissa Romero
- Seay Hubbard United Methodist Church (1116 1st Avenue South), 10:00 a.m. CT Senior Leader Keith Caldwell
- St Augustine’s Episcopal Church (2308 Vanderbilt Place), 9:30 a.m. CT, Chaplain & Pastoral Leadership: Becca Stevens, Assistant Chaplain: Francisco Garcia
- Eastminster Presbyterian Church ( 211 N 11th Street), 10:00 a.m. CT
Sip-In at the Merchants Drive Starbucks
- Event runs from 1-3 p.m. ET
- Sign-up form can be accessed here
- Hosted by the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Central Labor Council and Jobs with Justice of East Tennessee
- To avoid tipping off management, please do not post on Facebook or other social media
Monday, September 5th
Teamsters Local 480 2022 Labor Day Celebration
- Event begins at 11:00 a.m. CT
- Open to members, retirees, and their families
- Hosted by the Teamsters Local 480
Sip-In at the Montvue Starbucks
- Event runs from 1-3 p.m. ET
- Sign-up form can be accessed here
- Hosted by the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Central Labor Council and Jobs with Justice of East Tennessee
- To avoid tipping off management, please do not post on Facebook or other social media