THUNDER BAY - The Labour Day weekend gives us an extra day off to reflect on the summer that has passed.
On Monday, local union workers, families, and members of the community gathered in celebration to remember the contributions unions have made, to make our work life more manageable, and holidays more enjoyable.
The annual Labour Day picnic is hosted by the Thunder Bay and District Labour Council and local unions.
Hundreds of families came out to Current River Park to celebrate with food, bouncy castles, pony rides, face painting and much more.
Carlos Santander-Maturana, president of the Thunder Bay and District Labour Council, says it's an opportunity to celebrate our achievements throughout the year.
"It's a celebration for us. It's the last festival of the summer and it's a nice way for families to enjoy themselves," Santander-Maturana said.
Thunder Bay and District Labour Council represents 25 unions and more than 22,000 members throughout the district.
Santander-Maturana says the event is so well-attended because community members understand the value unions provide in a country like Canada.
"They get a flavour of what a caring society can be. As a labour organization, we are at the forefront of fighting for human rights issues, and democracy."
George Saarinen, longtime member of Unifor and now working for OPSEU, says Labour Day is a good time to reflect on the contributions unions have made in the recent past.
"Unions fought a lot of battles over the years. People used to work Monday-Saturday, and that's not the case anymore," Saarinen said.
"Unions did a good job of knocking down the work week to 40 hours or less, they brought in benefits and pensions, workplace health and safety, and training."
On the holiday Monday, local families can spend some quality time with one another, largely due to the sacrifices workers have made, Saarinen said.
"It's truly a celebration of families. They didn't just open it up to union members, everybody is welcome here."
