HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Hundreds of labor and union workers gathered in Holyoke on Labor Day to march for change and advocate for workers’ rights amid a challenging political climate.
The Labor Day march in Holyoke began at Holyoke City Hall and concluded at Heritage State Park.
“Labor Day, first and foremost, is a celebration of what we do and who we do it with, but it is also a response to the current political climate we find ourselves in and it is a way to push back on the attacks on organized labor that have been and are going on right now,” said Jeff Jones, President of the Western Mass Area Labor Federation and UFCW Local 1459.
Patrick Burke, President of United Auto Workers Local 2322, stated, “This is a hard time for many working people, and we want to make sure the issues of living wages, a voice on the job, and democracy, really more generally, are really being heard.”
Ethel Everett, President of the Pioneer Valley of the Western Mass Area Labor Federation, expressed excitement about the community support, saying, “We are excited that folks have come out to uplift workers and show that the strength that we have as workers coming together, that we are important, that we keep this country running and we are what makes America the country that it is today.”
The march began with a gathering at Holyoke City Hall, where participants rallied before proceeding through the city. The event was marked by speeches from union leaders and community supporters who highlighted the need for collective action in the face of political challenges.
The marchers, representing various unions from across western Massachusetts, aimed to draw attention to the struggles faced by workers, particularly in light of recent job cuts and funding reductions. The event served as both a celebration of labor and a call to action for the rights of workers.
The march concluded at Heritage State Park, where participants continued their rally with speeches and discussions about the future of organized labor. The event underscored the importance of community support and solidarity in advocating for workers’ rights.
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All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WWLP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WWLP staff before being published.
Claire Overton
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