On September12, over 500 Local 79 members joined thousands of members of other labor unions throughout New York City as they marched down Fifth Avenue in a spirited celebration of Labor Day. Throngs of onlookers lined the streets as cries of “Whose City? Our City” echoed off the buildings while a sea of Local 79 workers in LiUNA orange t-shirts proceeded up the corridor. It was by far the largest Local 79 turnout ever for this annual parade.

Although Labor Day represents for many ‘just a day off from work,’ for labor it represents a day to honor labor and its many struggles over the years. Labor Day, which started in the 19th century, honors unions, which organize and fight hard to ensure that workers can earn fair wages, work reasonable hours, have safe working conditions, and receive other benefits that provide them the opportunity to live dignified lives.