TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — On this Labor Day, America’s workers were celebrated with the annual Labor Day parade and bean dinner.
“Labor Day. It means a lot, for local unions and just the workforce and the power of the people,” Liam Moeller, Officer of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 157 said.
Thousands of people lined the streets of Wabash Avenue for the annual Labor Day parade.
Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 157 originated the parade years ago,” Patti Szymanski, Office Manager and Parade Organizer with the Plumbers and Steamfitters said.
Szymanski said they coordinate the parade each year, to bring laborers together, “To bring working men and women, labor unions, non-labor unions. Just a time to celebrate the working people.”
The parade serves as a chance to celebrate and recognize America’s workforce.
“I think it’s a chance to get to know your community,” Szymanski said. “You get to know who works by you, who lives by you, we get to celebrate together, each other.
The parade also gives local unions a chance to highlight what they have to offer.
Right now, the job market is booking. And we’re in great need, so, we hope people will see us, see all that we have to offer. It’s an outstanding opportunity and they’d be blessed to join it and get a career,” Szymanski said.
Liam Moeller, Officer with the Local 157 agrees.
“Organized labor is very, very important in the community. With good benefits, decent paying jobs and what not. There’s a lot of power these local unions hold,” Moeller said.
Following the parade, local unions came together to host a bean dinner at Fairbanks Park. Hundreds of people lined up for the home cooked meal.
“It’s just our way of giving back to the community and what now,” Moeller said. “Getting together with your families and your brothers and your sisters and having a little lunch, just relaxing on Labor Day.”
As for the beans, “They were amazing,” Moeller said. “Amazing! Ron does an excellent job every year,” he added.
And Moeller’s final message, “We’re hiring,” he said.
