CLEVELAND, September 4 — Once again this year, Brother Ben Lee, Local Chairman of BLET Division 166 (Charlotte, N.C.), is continuing his tradition of organizing his city’s annual Labor Day parade.
It’s a tough job. Charlotte has the reputation of being one of the more conservative cities in the United States, if not downright anti-union.
Regardless, Brother Lee has volunteered to serve as Parade Chairman for the past several years. In that capacity, he helps organize the event in conjunction with the Charlotte Labor Day Parade Committee and the Southern Piedmont Central Labor Council.
The parade honors the accomplishments of organized labor in the United States and in the Charlotte area. It features local labor union floats, vehicles, and marchers. The parade also features political candidates, bands, car clubs, beauty queens, and other community groups.
The parade will be held Monday September 5th at 11 a.m., and Brother Lee urges those in the Charlotte area to “Come on out for an old fashioned parade — union made.”
It begins at Hal Marshal Center in uptown Charlotte and ends at the intersection of Tryon and Third Street. Anyone wishing to participate or for other details should contact Brother Lee, (704) 877-6916 or Laborparade@aol.com.
“I hope to see you there,” Brother Lee said. “Always remember those who fought, suffered, and died for our worker rights, including the 40 hour week, the weekends, retirement, and healthcare. Please never take it for granted.”
BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce thanked Brother Lee for being involved in his community and said, “Brother Lee should be commended for his efforts on behalf of all working Americans, and for his efforts on behalf of our proud Brotherhood.”