President's Message

2023 Statewide Labor Day Events & Activities

Alyssa Hansen
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For those of us in the labor movement, we know that life really is better in a union.

Whether it’s Writers Guild of America (WGA) or SAG-AFTRA members walking the picket lines in Hollywood and New York City or Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 390G members in Memphis who have been on strike against International Flavors and Fragrances since early June, working people across the country are coming together like never before. 

In fact, a new poll released in mid-August showed that 67% of likely voters support the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, including 68% of Independent voters.

Just yesterday, the AFL-CIO released a poll showing that 7 in 10 Americans support unions cutting across party lines, including a majority of Republicans, more than two-thirds of Independents, and 9 in 10 Democrats.

This same poll showed that 88% of people under the age of 30 view unions favorably, which is a record-breaking level of support from young workers.   

The numbers don’t lie: asking to be paid fairly and treated with dignity and respect on the job are not partisan issues or only applicable to certain industries. They affect ALL workers, including right here in Tennessee. 

While it's clear that corporate special interest groups and big business are maintaining their tight grip on legislators, it doesn't have to be this way. We can level the playing field and ensure that all Tennesseans have a seat at the table, with unions playing a key role in making that a reality.

Unions are the single best tool we have to stand up to the corporate greed we are up against, both locally and nationally. 

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. Below is a list of some of the celebrations and other happenings that are taking place over the course of the next week. 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 2nd 

Labor Picnic

  • Event begins at 11:00 a.m. ET
  • Union members, their families, and their friends are all welcome
  • Lunch, games, door prizes, and water activities (be sure to bring a change of clothes!)
  • Hosted by the Upper East Tennessee Central Labor Council
     

Sunday, September 3rd

Labor Day Picnic & Rally

  • Event runs from 2-6 p.m. ET
  • Food, music, awards & more
  • Free union t-shirts will be available (while supplies last)
  • Hosted by the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Central Labor Council

Striking Forward: 2023 Labor Day Fundraiser & Gala

  • Event begins at 6:00 p.m. CT
  • Last-minute tickets can be purchased and financial contributions can be made by clicking here 
  • Hosted by the Memphis & West Tennessee Central Labor Council 
     

Monday, September 4th

Teamsters Local 480 Annual Labor Day Picnic

  • Event begins at 11:00 a.m. CT
  • Members, retirees, families, and friends of labor are welcome
  • Hosted by Teamsters Local 480
     

Saturday, September 9th

10th Annual Labor Day Parade & Celebration

  • Parade line-up begins at 9:30 a.m. CT
  • Register your organization for the parade and celebration by clicking here (logistics and additional information will be sent to you)
  • Hosted by the Central Labor Council of Nashville & Middle Tennessee