Labor Day events across Washington state

On Monday, Sept. 4 — Labor Day 2023 — workers across the nation will be celebrating the fact that “Life Is Better in a Union!”

Standing together with co-workers in a Union makes a tangible difference in your life that you feel every day. Workers in labor unions make 18 percent more in wages than their nonunion counterparts. They are more likely to have health care benefits. They work in safer workplaces. They have more job security—even and especially in moments of economic crisis. Countries where most workers are in a union are among the happiest and healthiest on Earth.

Life is better in a union.

Multiple AFL-CIO central labor councils across Washington state will be celebrating the day with BBQs, picnics and other celebrations. All union members and their families are invited to attend the following fun events:

BELLINGHAM — The Northwest Washington Central Labor Council is hosting an “It’s Our Day!” Labor Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4 at Lake Padden Park, 4882 S. Samish Way in Bellingham. Get details.

CHEHALIS — The Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council will host its annual Labor Day Picnic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4 at Stan Hedwall Park, 1501 Rice Road in Chehalis. Bring the whole family for free food and refreshments, children’s entertainment, and most of all fun and solidarity! Get details.

EVERETT — The Snohomish and Island County Labor Council is planning a Labor Day March and Block Party on from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4 in the parking lot behind 2810 Lombard Ave. in Everett. It will feature live music, free hot dogs and root beer floats, kids’ activities, and more! Get details.

KALAMA — The Southwest Washington CLC and the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum CLC invite union members and their families to join them for a Labor Day Picnic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4 at Haydu Park, 253 Kalama River Road in Kalama. Get details.

LAKEWOOD — The Pierce County Central Labor Council and WFSE Local 304 invite all area union members and their families to a Labor Day BBQ from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4 at Fort Steilacoom Park’s Picnic Pavilion, 9200 Steilacoom Blvd. in Lakewood. Get details.

POST FALLS, Idaho — The Spokane Regional Labor Council and the North Idaho CLC invite all to a Labor Day Celebration and Vintage Car Show on Monday, Sept. 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Q’emiln Park, 12201 W Parkway Dr., in Post Falls, ID. Get details.

SEATAC — All union members and their families are invited to join MLK Labor for a Labor Day Celebration at Angle Lake Park in SeaTac from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4. There will be food trucks with free food for union members, kids’ games, and a splash park. Get details.

TACOMA — The Pierce County Central Labor Council’s Ralph Chaplin Gravesite Memorial will be on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4 at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery, 5212 70th St. W. in Tacoma. Get details.

Outside of Washington state, click here to find a Labor Day event near you. Sign up for text alerts from the AFL-CIO and get a free Labor Day 2023 sticker.