'Unions are us': Champaign celebrates Labor Day during annual parade

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Hundreds of people went to Downtown Champaign Monday for the Labor Day Parade. Labor Day became a federal holiday over 120 years ago, and community members celebrate with this parade.

"Unions are us. And if we don't take part in them, they dwindle and die. If you take part in them, we can be together, strong and have better working conditions," said Elise Doody-Jones, parade volunteer coordinator. 

For the past couple of years, the parade has been held in Downtown Champaign. This year, over 30 groups marched in the parade, including high school bands, the University of Illinois and several labor unions. The Champaign chapter of the Federation of Labor hosted the annual parade to represent the collective interests of workers and advocate for their rights. The intentions of labor unions are to protect their rights, interests and safety.  

"Well, unions gave us the weekend. Unions gave us rights and protections on the job. Unions have kept us safe. They have fought for rights in the workplace. And, they've impacted my life by inspiring me to join their fight for a better and more liberated world," said Elizabeth Sotiropoulos. 

Everything from floats, music and candy being tossed to the community was a part of the parade. Planning for next year's parade will begin this winter.

If you are interested in joining a union in Champaign, you can visit the American Federation of Labor's website.

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