TOLEDO, Ohio —
Labor Day for some is the unofficial end of summer, often spent enjoying the weather outdoors and barbecuing with family. But historically, the holiday is a day dedicated to honoring the labor movement in America.
Toledo hosted its annual Labor Day parade Monday morning, where thousands of people came out to support local laborers and unions.
"We always show up on Labor Day," said Matt Tabb, president of Toledo Firefighters Local 92. "It's one of our great days of the year. It's to honor the firefighters and the people out there."
Dozens of unions were represented in the parade.
"It's not just about one union," said Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken. "You see them all come together. You see the people of Toledo respect the work of union. Unions are built by workers, one worker at a time, so when they come together, they're more powerful."
The different unions used the parade as a way to show support for the labor movement and specific political candidates, while others used it as a time to call attention to current issues.
Local 92 walked with signs calling for a solution to ongoing contract negotiations.
"Labor Day means support labor," Tabb said. "That's why we're out here and hoping for the support from the people, and frankly the message needs to get out to the mayor of the city that he needs to support his firefighters also."
The firefighters union and the city of Toledo are still in mediation for contract negotiations.
For some, Labor Day was a time to remember those who worked before them.
"It's when the body unites that you want to celebrate the road that has been paved for us," said Tresa Reece, a member of UA Local 50, which represents workers in the plumbing and pipefitting industry. "People worked so hard, so hard to get where we're at today."
Reece said she has been a member of the union for 24 years and has seen the support change in numbers over time.
"There's strength in numbers," she said.
Reece said she is focused on continuing the legacy of workers who came before her and continuing to pave a path for those who will follow in her footsteps.
"To keep the strength in our unions, to keep them strong," she said.