To some, this is the viewed as the last weekend of the summer. To others though, Labour Day weekend has a major significance.
Members of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour are reflecting on the important role that workers play in the economy and in society.
First Vice President of the NBFL John Gagnon says many gains have been made over the years, but there is much work that still needs to be done.
“It is important, not only for the union, but for all workers. Over the number of years, we’ve been looking at governments destroying the social fabric of this country. The attacks on private pensions, attacks on publicly funded services. Over a number of years, we’ve had some gains and we are celebrating the victories of the workers. Workers need to unite on this day, not only to celebrate our achievements, but to renew our commitments for a better country and for the world, not just for us, but for future generations, and our children and grandchildren,” Gagnon says.
Events are held in various cities across the province to help mark Labour Day.
In Moncton, a barbecue with live music and games will be held at Centennial Park from noon until 3pm today.
Gagnon says one of the focuses right now is to ensure healthcare continue to be publicly funded, “It is shameful, in a country so rich as ours, that people work all of their lives and then retire and then have to make the choice of buying medication, pay their rent, buy food or some of the other essential things that you need to live.”
EVENTS:
Bathurst: September 3. Parade starts at 1 pm, BBQ and speeches to follow. Coronation Park on
Monroe Street in Bathurst.
Dalhousie: September 3. Parade starts at 10:30 am at Fire Hall, followed by BBQ at Rotary Park.
Edmundston: September 2. 11 am to 4 pm. Hot dog roast and inflatable games for kids. 239
Principal Street St Basile NB.
Fredericton: September 3. 12 noon to 4 pm. BBQ, live music & games. Officer’s Square in
Fredericton.
Moncton: September 2. 12 noon to 3 pm. BBQ, live music & games. Centennial Park in
Moncton.
Saint John: September 3. Parade starts at 12 noon at King Square North, followed by BBQ at
Fisher Lakes.
