FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — The Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO is announcing that 2021’s La Crosse Labor Day Parade and Festival will be canceled due to uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 outbreak and its variant virus(es). We hope area residents can safely recognize Labor Day and the solidarity it brings while staying safe and healthy.
Unions have always put Worker Safety First. When it comes to COVID, workers have been on the front line, promoting and suppling masks, vaccinating the public, putting their own safety at risk, working from home, and participating in virtual meetings. We have fought for hazard pay, paid sick days, unemployment benefits, and economic assistance for those who were needed it most. And unfortunately, the pandemic is not over.
Therefore, due to worker safety and public health considerations, the delegates of the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO Central Federation of Labor (WWAFLCIO) unanimously voted to CANCEL LaborFest in 2021, which was to be held on September 6th.
“It saddens us to make this announcement, but this postponement will not hold us back from continuing to develop solidarity in Western Wisconsin,” said Bill Brockmiller, Treasurer, Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO. “Whether we either in-person or by teleconference, we’ll continue to engage active and retiree members by encouraging them to connect with their brothers and sisters as well as with community and elected officials in productive and healthy ways.”
If not canceled, 2021 would have been the 130th year with a Labor Day Parade in La Crosse. La Crosse’s first Labor Day Parade was in 1891, and 2021 marks only the 9th time that the parade was not held since that 1891 start date. Previous years without a parade were in 1896, 1897, 1899, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1965 and 2020.
Please celebrate Labor Day safely with family.
The labor movement is working relentlessly to safeguard the health and safety of all laborers, including workers on the front lines of this public health crisis. The AFL-CIO continues to train, educate, and equip workers with the training and tools they need to be safe on the job.
The pandemic continues to damage the American economy. We are doing everything we can to limit the negative impact on the livelihoods of working people, and we continue to lobby for action from local, state, and federal governments to help mitigate these adverse effects.
Labor Day is a day to remember that the rights of working people have been won and sustained by the people’s movement fueled by a desire and passion for change. Together, all who labor have the power to create a fair economy and just society for everyone. And that means making voices heard loud and clear in Madison and Washington DC.
As we celebrate Labor Day, take care to remind friends, family, and co-workers that all work has value.