Members of the Grey Bruce Labour Council ensured that Labour Day 2020 would not go unnoticed or unmarked this year despite the pandemic.
Over one-hundred people, including motorcycles, took part in a COVID-19 compliant car caravan, greeting people and politicians along the way.
Flags and banners were displayed on the cars to thank workers as members toured through a wide part of Grey and Bruce Counties.
Labour Council President Kevin Smith stated, “that it is in this remarkable time that we must take notice of Labour Day. It is on this Labour Day, in this environment, that workers and the value of their contributions are seen more clearly than ever. It also on this day that with heavy heart we feel the passing of workers who have succumbed to the pandemic because they were in fact saving lives, preventing and alleviating suffering and in many cases just doing what they do everyday”.
Council President Kevin Smith noted the support of the Unifor Retirees, the PWU, the SUP, OSSTF, and every union affiliate for helping to create a successful event, along with the items for the prize draw in Walkerton where the caravan finished its trek. He added the municipalities of Owen Sound, Chesley, Brockton, Saugeen Shores, and Kincardine flew flags created to thank workers and celebrate Labour.
In response to celebrating Labour Day in a pandemic Labour Council VP for Bruce, Dave Trumble, said, “that society has now been exposed to the malignancy in our society that says that some workers are more valuable than others. Labour Day has always been a day for celebrating and embracing the contributions of all workers. Cheering for all workers on this Labour Day is more important than ever as everyone’s labour is keeping us fed, watered, warm or cool and sustained in all aspects of our life”.
Labour Council VP for Grey, Chris Stephen said “from here on out, there is not going to be one step back. The world has now come to see the value of all workers and the Labour Movement will not entertain any agenda that once again attempts to minimize or shortchange even one worker”.
