You know the routine, the end of summer, cookouts, parades, and head to the lake. We have celebrated Labor Day in many ways at the same time trying to remember the meaning of the holiday.
The Labor Day Parade in Henryetta has become a tradition for some, with unions trying to spot light the labor movement in Oklahoma. IBEW, CWA, Steelworkers, TWU, AFSCME, to name a few continue to gather every September 1st. to show that we are still providing a great opportunity for working men and women to get ahead and give back to our community.
The TWU has gone a step further by hosting a high school marching band contest for the last several years. Now this doesn’t draw larger schools but it does give the smaller ones a chance to compete on a level playing field. With a good portion of our members growing up in small communities they can appreciate the chance to showcase their talents. At the same time we are providing a message that unions are still playing an important role in our daily lives no matter how large or small. Now with me being from a big city, I have not had a chance to visit some of these communities, but I did see the hard work and pride each child was displaying. They came from towns like Dewar, Weleetka, Oktaha, and Henryetta. Evan as far away as Checotah, Sapulpa, and Caney Valley. All of them strutting their stuff to say yea we can compete with the big guys.
The Union, TWU Local 514 made that moment happen. Now you could imagine on any September day in Oklahoma it is hot. This day was no exception, but at the end of the parade route your local volunteer members and officers were there to offer them cold water and to say thank you.
Giving back made easy “the union way”. Not my idea but a good idea never the less.
To some people this may become part of their Labor Day tradition. As they come to see the marching bands they will look around and see all of those union folks there to educate them. The same folks that brought you the 8 hour work day, equal pay for all genders, child labor laws, and overtime pay will be enjoying the events also.
There will be some of our own members asking is this event really that big of a deal?
Well let me tell you, to those seven small schools ranging from 50 members to 125, this was their Big Deal. To the band directors that are members of the teachers union, this was a big deal.
Who knows, these may be a future union members marching down the street playing the drums. The orchestra is unionized.
“ And The Beat Goes On”
by, Tracy Hardin,
TWU Local 514 Executive Board Member at Large
Co-Chairman Welfare & Entertainment Committee