Celebrate Labor Day at union events, picnics

Labor Day — Monday, Sept. 5 — is a day to recognize and honor the achievements of America’s working people. This year, the annual celebration comes during a critical election cycle. Many of us will spend the day with close family and dear friends at a barbecue, picnic or other community event, including several hosted by regional central labor councils (see the list below).

This Labor Day, union members and their families across Washington state are taking action and committing to improving the lives of all working people by using their right to Vote. For a Better Life. On Nov. 8, union members and their families will have the opportunity to raise Washington’s minimum wage and allow all workers to earn paid sick days via Initiative 1433. They will have the chance to boost the state economy and create thousands of good construction jobs with Sound Transit Phase 3. And they could also help break the partisan logjam in Olympia so legislation can pass that really makes a difference.

While we enjoy the fellowship of our loved ones at Labor Day events and gatherings, it also is important to reflect on the best ways working people can continue to make our voices heard in our economy and democracy.

All workers and their families in Washington state are invited and encouraged to join in the following activities on Labor Day:

BELLINGHAM — The Northwest Washington Central Labor Council invites all union members and their families to a Labor Day Picnic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5 at Fairhaven Park, 107 Chuckanut Dr. N. in Bellingham. Get details.

CASTLE ROCK — The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Central Labor Council invites union members and their families to attend their Labor Day Picnic starting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5 at Toutle River RV Park, 168 Dwight Road (Exit 52 off I-5), in Castle Rock. Get details.

KENNEWICK — The Southeast Washington Central Labor Council invites the public to join them for the 5th Annual Labor Day Picnic on Monday, Sept. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — with free lunch served 11-1 — at the Columbia Park Main Stage in Kennewick. Get details.

LAKEWOOD — The Pierce County Central Labor Council and Washington Federation of State Employees Local 793 invite all union members and their families to a Labor Day Picnic from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5 at Fort Steilacoom State Park’s picnic pavilion, 9200 Steilacoom Blvd. SW in Lakewood. Get details.

SEATTLE — The annual M.L. King County Labor Council Labor Day Picnic and Puget Sound Labor Agency fundraiser has moved from Woodland Park to the heart of the Labor community: The Seattle Labor Temple! This year’s theme, “Taking It to the Streets” recognizes the power that we have helped to build by bringing strong, pro-worker initiatives to the people. Come celebrate with the MLKCLC on Monday, Sept. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Hall 8 of the Seattle Labor Temple. Get details.

UPDATE: The MLKCLC is hosting an endorsement press conference of the Mass Transit Now ballot measure as part of its Labor Day Picnic at 12:45 p.m. Other activities scheduled as part of the Labor Day Celebration include: the Trump piñata bash; the second annual Labor Ride and Poker Run, hosted by Seattle City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, will make its final stop of the day at the picnic. The Puget Sound Labor Agency — the community service arm of the AFL-CIO — is holding its annual raffle; and UNITE HERE Local 8 will walk participants to the Space Needle for a worker-power-picket in support of the Space Needle workers.

TACOMA — In addition to the picnic in Lakewood, the Pierce County Central Labor Council, community leaders and labor supporters are invited to a short Ralph Chaplin memorial ceremony at the gravesite of longtime labor activist, poet, author and songwriter on Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 5) at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery, 5212 70th St. West in Tacoma. Get details.

TUMWATER — The Thurston-Lewis-Mason Counties Labor Council invites union members and their families to its annual Labor Day Picnic from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5 at Tumwater Historical Park, 777 Simmons Lane SW, Tumwater, WA, 98501. Get details.