Members of BLET Division 4 and Division 937 had the honor of being first in line at the annual Labor Day Parade in Toledo, Ohio, on Monday, September 4.
“It’s a big deal to be first out in this parade, which is one of the largest in the state,” said John Esterly, Chairman of the BLET’s Ohio State Legislative Board. “It was an honor bestowed in recognition of the BLET’s 160th anniversary this year.”
In addition to members from across the state, marching in the BLET brigade were State Representative and CWA member Michele Grim (43rd District – Toledo) and State Senator and former Toledo Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson (11th District – Toledo). “These two legislators are long-time friends of the BLET and were instrumental in passing our rail safety legislation earlier this year,” Brother Esterly said.
America’s first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. Labor Day is dedicated to protecting the social and economic achievements of American workers, and is also an annual national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our nation. Organized labor, through its membership, has consistently contributed substantially to creating the highest standard of living and the highest levels of worker production the world has ever known.
See a photo gallery of the BLET at the Toledo, OH Labor Day parade.