2024 Statewide Labor Day Events & Activities

2024 will go down in history as a pivotal year for labor in Tennessee, and it all stems from one major accomplishment that took place back on April 19th.

After two disappointing defeats over the past decade, this was the day that workers at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga overwhelmingly voted to join the United Auto Workers (UAW).

As we know, the results weren’t exactly a nail-biter: nearly 75% of the workers who cast ballots decided that they wanted to become union members.

What was perhaps the most powerful part of this entire successful organizing campaign was the fact that it was conducted in the midst of a never-ending stream of scare tactics from pro-business politicians.

If you happened to follow the lead-up to the two previous elections at Volkswagen in 2014 and 2019, you’ll probably remember that history seemed to be repeating itself once again.

When it comes to union elections and outside interference, old habits clearly die hard in Tennessee.

But at the end of the day, the Volkswagen vote broke the mold.

So what happened? What truly made the third time the charm?

All of us in the labor movement, our allies, and our supporters already know the answer: more and more workers are recognizing that it’s better in a union.

For decades, the South has been written off as a labor wasteland…a place where employers flock to if they’re looking to skirt unions instead of working productively with them.

Now, things are finally beginning to change.

We are particularly mindful and aware of these shifting tides as we celebrate Labor Day.

Below is a list of some of the celebrations and other happenings that are taking place over the course of the next several weeks. 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, August 31st

Upper East Tennessee Labor Day Picnic

Event begins at 11:00 a.m. ET
Union members, their families, and their friends are all welcome
Catered lunch (served at approximately noon ET), bounce house, foam cannon, and door prizes
Hosted by the Upper East Tennessee Central Labor Council

Monday, September 2nd

Labor Day Celebration (Knoxville)

Event begins at 11:00 a.m. ET
Music, food & much more!
Hosted by the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Central Labor Council

Teamsters Local 480 Annual Labor Day Celebration

Event begins at 11:00 a.m. CT
Members, retirees, and their families are invited
Hosted by Teamsters Local 480

Saturday, September 7th

2024 Labor Day Parade & Celebration (Nashville)

Parade line-up begins at 9:30 a.m. CT in front of the Estes Kefauver Federal Building on Broadway; parade starts at 10:00 a.m. CT
Picnic immediately follows the parade
Parking is available at the Music City Center Garage
Click here to register online
Hosted by the Nashville & Middle Tennessee Central Labor Council

Saturday, September 21st

Labor Day Picnic (Memphis)

Event begins at 11:00 a.m. CT
Free & open to the community
Food, music, dessert & cooking contests
Multiple sponsorship levels available
Hosted by the Memphis & West Tennessee Central Labor Council