READING, Pa. – Labor Day is a day off for many workers.
But for organized labor, it’s a day to remember just how workers’ rights were won.
“Labor Day didn’t happen because the corporations decided to celebrate their employees. Labor Day exists because working people organized,” said President of Berks County Building Trades, Bill Dorward.
The United Labor Council of Reading and Berks brought union members and supporters together this morning for its first-ever Labor Day flag raising.
Dorward says the holiday is a celebration of all workers.
“Labor isn’t just one industry. Labor is all of us. It was born from the blood, the sweat, the sacrifice, the determination of working men and women who stood together and said, ‘We deserve better,” said Dorward.
And for the people gathered here, Labor Day is personal.
Dorward says it’s a chance to recognize the work done every day by the people who keep the community moving.
“I’m proud of the men and women who put their work boots on every morning,” said Dorward.
Organizers say the flag-raising is also a reminder that the labor movement’s work isn’t over and that workers still have a voice in what comes next.
“One worker standing alone can be ignored. Workers standing together cannot. That is the power of a union. Stand strong together. Fight together. Build together, rise together,” said Dorward.