Philadelphia Labor Day Parade honors workers who keep the city moving, recommit to fight for their rights
Philadelphia is one of America's great union towns, and on Monday, it was on full display. Music, dancing and thousands of marchers filled the streets of South Philadelphia for the city's annual Labor Day Parade.
Mayor Cherelle Parker was among several public officials who marched alongside union leaders. Families came to enjoy the floats and festivities and cheer on the people who make the city run.
"We're pro-union, we're not part of a union, but we like to see unions do well," said Tom Leonard, who lives in the city's Pennsport neighborhood.
Members of District Council 33 say that kind of support is extra meaningful this year.
"We make this city. We make this region run," DC 33 union president Boulware said. "We have to be able to celebrate ourselves in this fashion. So it's a great day to be out here. And that's what we're doing. We're in solidarity; all these beautiful unions out here, hanging together and representing and showing Philadelphia how we do. This is a union town."
The union that represents workers in sanitation, rec centers and libraries struck a deal with the city on July 9 after over a week of striking. On Labor Day, members said there's still some resentment.
"We should've had a better contract, but we OK," said DC 33 member Ethel Funches.
"They definitely deserved a raise," Leonard said. "I know they didn't quite get what they wanted, but we're really appreciative of the work they do."
Meanwhile, others in the community came to the parade to throw their support behind the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.
"I will always support the teachers and their rights and what they need for the students in the city of Philadelphia," said Susan Kettell, a retired teacher from Old City.
Members of the teachers union, who narrowly avoided a strike before the start of the school year, expressed relief.
"We came out just to unionize once again," said Anthony Ukaha, an autism support specialist at Roberto Clemente Middle School. "Especially after a year where a lot of uncertainty occurred."
Despite the uncertainty that some union members faced this summer, many told CBS News Philadelphia that they're happy to take a break from work and celebrate with their families.
Crowds of workers, their families and community members kept the party going at Sheet Metal Workers' Local 19 Union Hall for a post-parade celebration, which included food, music and even carnival rides.
Philadelphia's Labor Day Parade organizers said it's about celebrating solidarity, while also highlighting the ongoing fight for fair wages and safe working conditions. Organizers added that it's all about honoring the workers who keep this city moving, and recommitting to fighting for their rights.