LOUISVILLE, Ky. — This year is the 130th anniversary of Labor Day, the holiday that’s been celebrating American workers since 1894. Many Louisville labor unions observed the holiday at Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay with a picnic.

What You Need To Know

  • Union workers spent their Labor Day at Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay 

  • The picnic was hosted by the Greater Louisville Central Labor Council

  • About 5,000 people were in attendance

  • The GLCLC said it will start planning next year's picnic in about a month

Instead of spending their Monday at work, the union members spent their holiday with their fellow union members and their families.

“It’s extremely important. It’s the time when the workers get together and we reflect back on, you know what’s going on within the labor movement,” said Arnold Scott, 6th district national vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees.

Scott has been the elected vice president of the 6th District American Federation of Government Employees for 25 years, representing workers in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

“It is fantastic, you know, I enjoy it, I get around, get around all the agencies, get to talk to the local presidents, get to talk to the employee, find out what their issues and concerns are,” said Scott.

The Greater Louisville Central Labor Council hosted Monday’s picnic. The GLCLC represents over 54,000 people from over 50 unions. About 5,000 of those workers came to the picnic in the amusement park.

“It feels good, you know, camaraderie, all of the fellowship of being together. You know, your labor unions, ‘Hey, Joe, we’re not on the line,’ You see your fellow brother, pipefitters, you know. So, it is what it is: it’s a day, just to sit back and relax,” said Todd Dunn, president of the GLCLC and UAW 862.

Whether it was riding the rollercoasters or eating a traditional picnic meal, Scott said he enjoyed his time with his union brothers and sisters.

“it’s nice out here. It’s nice to have all of labor coming together and doing something together,” said Scott.

The GLCLC said it will start planning next year’s picnic in about a month.

Meanwhile, there are about 10,000 hotel union workers across the country who spent their labor day on the picket line. Workers with the UNITE HERE union are striking at 25 hotels in nine cities. The union said its members are demanding higher wages, fair staffing and workloads, and the reversal of COVID-era cuts.

The UNITE HERE union does not have a local office in the commonwealth.

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