Here’s how to celebrate your Labor Day!

Monday, Sept. 5 is Labor Day, a day is created by the labor movement to recognize the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is a day to celebrate at a labor-hosted picnic or event, a day to recognize all workers via the AFL-CIO’s “I ♥ a Worker” campaign, and a day to organize by supporting Seattle-area hotel workers!

See all the details below, but first…

CELEBRATE

Burlington — The NW Washington Central Labor Council is hosting a Labor Picnic from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5 at Skagit River Park, Horseshoe Pit Kitchen Shelter, Burlington. There will be a BBQ, music, games, and more. It is a potluck. Union members, labor activists, family, and friends are invited to join in this day of solidarity. For more info, call 360-223-3986.

Castle Rock — The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Central Labor Council will host its 1st Annual Labor Day Picnic from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Toutle River RV Resort, 150 Happy Trails Road (I-5 Exit 52), north of Castle Rock. Swimming pool, horseshoes, pickle ball, volleyball, fishing and more. Burgers and hot dogs provided; potluck to share appreciated. For more info, call 360-577-0535.

Chehalis — The Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council will host its annual Labor Day Picnic on Monday, Sept. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stan Hedwall Park, 1501 Rice Road in Chehalis (just off I-5 Exit 76/13th St.). Bring the family for free food, refreshments and children’s entertainment! For more info, call 360-870-0706.

Seattle — The M.L. King, Jr. County Labor Council, AFL-CIO will host its annual Labor Day Picnic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5 at Lower Woodland Park in Shelters 1, 2 and 3, N. 50th St. & Woodland Park Ave. in Seattle.There will be live music featuring Bobby Medina and the Red Hot Band, hot dogs, soda, ice cream, kettlecorn, clowns, games, face painting, and raffle prizes. And it’s all free! Make plans to attend and bring the family. For more info, call 206-441-8510.

Tacoma — Join the Pierce County Central Labor Council for a short ceremony observing the 50th anniversary of the passing of longtime labor activist, poet, author, and songwriter Ralph Chaplin. It will be Monday, Sept. 5 at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery, 5212 -70th St. W. in Tacoma.

RECOGNIZE

Show a little love for the American worker who, between the economy, jobs crisis and attacks on workers’ rights, has had a real rough year.

This Labor Day, the AFL-CIO is urging everyone to HEART a Worker via Facebook and Twitter and let the public know how important hardworking women and men are in our daily lives. Go to the Labor Day splash page at www.aflcio.org/iheart, you can share a message that answers the question: Who do you HEART this Labor Day?

Some suggestions: I HEART Cooks, I HEART Firefighters or, if you’re in the Longview area, I HEART I.L.W.U. grain terminal workers. You decide the type of worker you HEART, and then you can share the message on Facebook and via Twitter with one or two quick clicks.

As we approach the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the “I HEART a Worker” action also is another way we can honor the many first responders and the thousands who worked so hard in the days and months after the tragedy to care for the injured and do the laborious work needed to restore the Pentagon and World Trade Center sites.

ORGANIZE

If you are in the Seattle area, after you attend the MLKCLC Labor Day picnic at Woodland Park, make plans to join supporters of thousands of Seattle-area hotel workers struggling to get a fair contract at a Hotel Justice Rally starting at 4 p.m. on Labor Day at the Hilton Seattle, downtown at 6th & University. For info, call Jasmine Marwaha of UNITE HERE Local 8 at 306-470-3002.

For more information, see The Stand’s Aug. 25 report, Support workers at Seattle’s Westin, Hilton, and the Aug. 5 posting, Largest picket in SeaTac history backs area hotel workers, OR check out this great flash mob in the lobby of the Seattle Westin on Aug. 25: