Machinist Matthew Maguire is credited with starting Labor Day in 1882 to honor workers who fought for fairness, safety, and respect in their workplaces. The first Labor Day celebration in New York City included a parade and a picnic where workers from all walks of life came together.
IAM members from across North America joined together this past week for the 41st IAM Grand Lodge Convention in New York City. Hundreds of members stayed after the convention gathered to participate in the annual NYC Labor Day parade. The event took place on a Saturday, Sept. 7, with IAM members and other unions from NYC and the surrounding area marching in the determination of working men and women demanding fairness, safety, and respect in their workplaces.
IAM International President Brian Bryant, along with District 15 and the Independent Driver’s Guild, led hundreds of chanting members down the streets of NYC who were loud and heard by the spectators lining the city sidewalks.