Labor Day 2011: Taking a Stand, Dancing in the Rain
by Anne Silverstein
The spirit and enthusiasm of this year’s CSA participants in the 2011 Labor Day was palpable as more than 365 unionists, family members, friends and staff took to the streets to help show NYC – and the nation – that labor remains strong in the Big Apple.
The Soul Tigers, the marching band from IS 292, Brooklyn, once again provided a pulsing, hip sound that propelled CSAers up Fifth Avenue, and kept many dancing in the street even through a short cloud-burst.
The Labor Day Parade is sponsored by the NYC Central Labor Council, a coalition of 400 public and private unions representing 1.3 million workers. This year, thousands of union members marched under the banners of 300 unions.
“I was so incredibly proud to turn around and see all those members carrying our CSA signs,” said CSA President Ernest Logan.
CSA members were forthright and articulate about why they attended the Sept. 10 parade as well as why they brought their families with them.“I’m at the parade because it’s extremely important for everyone to understand the meaning of labor here in NYC. And our union represents many people who are working diligently to make sure that the children are educated and that the parents know that the future of the city lies in what we do for the children,” said Principal Eleanor Andrew.
Retiree Chapter member Irma Godlin said, “I think it’s very important to be here to show that NYC is a union town. The union has provided us with so many supports and so many services. It is absolutely essential for workers to have the support of the union.”
“We are here marching so that our rights are protected, and that they know that we are standing all together to make sure unions are recognized and respected,” said Assistant Principal Jazmin Rivera-Polanco.
Added Assistant Principal Giovanni Raschilla who attended with his wife, a teacher: “I’m just proud of my union and I’m happy to be here supporting all the workers everywhere.”
Did you miss the parade? You can watch a video of it here.
