Edmontonians celebrate the importance of Labor Day at the BBQ EDCL – Edmonton
The Edmonton District Labor Council celebrated Labor Day with a community barbecue and a reminder of the importance of the first Monday in September which continues to be recognized.
The Labor Council, or EDLC, was founded in 1906 and is made up of Edmonton and area unions representing all types of labor and workers. Today, the council represents 55,000 union members in the Edmonton area.
The directory barbecue began 32 years ago with the goal of helping unemployed and underemployed workers in the region, said EDLC President Greg Mady.
“The vast majority (of the working cla*s) are feeling the effects and, you know – we’re your neighbors, your cousins, your aunts, your uncles – and every year we have this barbecue just to come out and say, ‘You know union members are with you. We’re here, we’re working really hard to uplift everyone, … (improve) everyone’s working conditions,” Mady said.
“(Labor Day) is very relevant now if you look at all the issues facing working people these days – I mean, the middle cla*s that used to exist, is in rapid decline. The idea that if we cut taxes on the rich, that money will flow back and benefit the working cla*s – we can now see that is not the case.”
Hundreds of people came out to watch the event at Clarke Stadium to celebrate and take part in events such as face painting, live music, food and prizes.
“We built these cities,” Mady said. “Nothing would work without us. And if we don’t take the time to recognize that and acknowledge that, then we’re really doing ourselves a disservice.
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