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The weather was perfect and the mood celebratory as the Hamilton and District Labour Council held its annual Labour Day parade in downtown Hamilton Sept. 2.

The building trades were well represented with most trades out marching behind banners and LIUNA members, families and supporters in particular filling the street for a full block.

Marching on Bay and James streets, the message from Ironworkers Local 736 was, “We’re stronger together”; multiple generations joined the parade wearing the colours of UA Local 67; Sheet Metal workers from Local 537 marched in solidarity for the cause; and members of IUOE and family supporters filled James Street.

Nationally, Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Council, issued a statement Sept. 2 with a variation on the Ironworkers’ message.

The CLC’s message was Workers Together: For a Better Deal.

The CLC noted only two in five workers can access Employment Insurance when they need it and workplace pensions have become increasingly rare.

“Canada’s working class is being pushed to the brink. Families do everything right to get ahead, yet groceries, housing and other essentials fall further out of reach. Workers deserve a better deal – and unions are the key to unlocking it,” said Bruske. “Workers Together is by workers, for workers. With the support of unions, it amplifies workers’ voices for a better future.”