WDIO

By Mary Skorich

On Monday, the annual Duluth Labor Day Picnic, sponsored by the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body, provided free food, drinks, and music for those who work to keep our country running.

“Labor Day is a holiday recognizing the labor movement and the labor force and the people who had thought for this for the eight-hour workday, for the five-day work week, all that. So, it’s just our way of thanking them,” said Lee Cutler, Political Organizer and Field Director of the Labor Day Picnic.

A variety of Minnesota leaders made appearances at the Labor Day picnic, including Representative Angie Craig.

“As Minnesotans celebrate this day off, perhaps with your family, just remember, that 40-hour work week came from folks who are out here celebrating today the work that we all did to fight for it. Those safe working conditions that came from a lot of protests that came from walking the picket line that came from people who wanted to make sure that they could raise a family and afford their house and their childcare and their healthcare,” said Rep. Craig.

Senator Amy Klobuchar has made a point to attend the picnic every year, using it as an opportunity to learn from her constituents.

“I visit all 87 counties every year. And it just gives me a sense of not just where Democrats are, but where Republicans are and independents are, and it makes me better at my job. Because the best ideas don’t come from books, they don’t come from Washington, D.C., they come from gatherings like this,” said Sen. Klobuchar.

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan grew up in a middle-class home and made the trip to stand with other working-class families.

“Being shoulder to shoulder knowing that the folks who are part of our labor unions are the reason why Minnesota is such a great place to live,” said Lieutenant Gov. Flanagan.

Minnesota Governor Walz also made an appearance at the picnic, bringing with him a promise.

“We’re going to continue to strengthen labor laws in Minnesota we’re continuing to make sure that when we spend dollars it’s on labor and we continue to fight for the middle class,” said Gov. Walz.