This morning, workers celebrated Labor Day by marching in a parade at the New York State Fair. Local Postal Workers Union President Mike Landry (Lan- Dree) said it’s important to march for labor movements.
“The one percent or corporate America is always trying to take away from the middle class. They’re making 400 times what the average worker is. It’s just about bringing some equality back.”
Syracuse Teacher’s Association members were there to show support for labor in general but also support their own cause. S-T-A member Karen Fruscello (Froo- shell-oh) hopes their showing at the parade continues a fight against common core testing..
“We’re here to tell governor Cuomo that we still stand on our stance on testing. I think we’ve come to some little agreement with that. We keep pushing forward because our children are not numbers; they‘re not test scores. Every child should be followed to their own learning potential.”
Members of a variety of unions marched through the fairgrounds in a parade that ended in Chevy Court. Roofers Union Business Manager Ronald Haney (Hay-Nee) said the parade is a chance to celebrate the year’s victories.
“There’s a real sense of brotherhood today. There was a fight for minimum wage that we were all engaged in and the Governor listened and the people listened. It’s going to bring up everybody, not just union members. It’s important to the society in general, not just New York State, but for everybody.”
Greater Syracuse Labor Council President Doctor Dennis Nave shared Haney’s sentiments. He shared a string of labor victories.
“We are here to celebrate those victories over the past: paid family leave, a rise in the minimum wage, and a strike victory at Verizon. Be proud of what you did and we stand behind you 100%.”
This is the 134th celebration of Labor Day. the first parade took place in New York City also on September 5th.
