TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Workers, families, and local leaders gathered in Tampa on Labor Day for a community celebration focused on the history of the holiday and the role workers continue to play in the community.
The West Central Florida Labor Council hosted the event at IBEW Local 915. The celebration included food, family activities, and an opportunity for workers from different industries to come together.
Gage Lacharite, who works at UPS, had the day off and chose to attend the event.
“I came out because I think it is important everyone remembers the labor struggles of the past and people need to realize there is still a labor movement going on,” Lacharite said.
Others at the event said Labor Day was also an opportunity to talk about some of the pressures workers are experiencing.
“Everything is getting more expensive, working longer hours for what feels like the same or less wages,” Casey Kleszczynski said. “So anything we can do to support one another and come together as a community, I think it strengthens us.”
Kleszczynski said bringing workers together can also help build a sense of solidarity across different workplaces and industries.
“Showing solidarity with the workers, it is really important that we all get together and share the labor struggle together and depend on one another to make gains for ourselves and others,” Kleszczynski said.
Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen was among the local leaders who attended the celebration.
“We have worked really hard to protect the rights of our working people here in Hillsborough County,” Cohen said.
The West Central Florida Labor Council also held a Labor Day celebration in Sarasota.
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