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| 2009 Labor Day Parade a success
2009's McLean County Labor Day Parade, held on Monday, September 7, was a great success. Union members, marching bands, antique vehicles and more added up to a beautiful day for all. The Parade's theme was "Rebuild America: Quality Jobs for All." The annual parade is sponsored by the Bloomington & Normal Trades & Labor Assembly, the umbrella organization for 32 AFL-CIO unions in the area. Carrying the union banner Numerous local unions participated in the parade: here are just a few: 
Laborers Local 362 had a very large contingent, all very bright in their orange shirts. 
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 197. 
Printing pressman for the Pantagraph protested their on-going contract dispute with the newspaper. 
United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 99. 
United Auto Workers Local 2488 represents area industrial workers and associates at Mitsubishi Motors North America. 
They deliver for you daily -- National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 522. 
Postal Workers Local 228 helps move your mail. 
United Steelworkers Local 787L members are employed at the Bridgestone-Firestone plant in Normal, building huge, off-road tires. 
United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners Local 63. 
Millwrights Local 1051 
Bakery, Confectionery & Tobacco Workers - Grain Millers Local 342, employed by the Nestle Company. 
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 649. 
Sheet Metal Workers Local 1. 
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 26. 
Our city bus drivers -- Amalgamated Transit Union Local 752. 
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 51 -- technicians and line workers for Ameren and Verizon. 
Ironworkers Local 112 -- the men and women who "walk the high iron." 
Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 18. 
The United Way of McLean County joined the parade; AFL-CIO Labor Liaison Gary Leake (right) helped carry their banner. Strike up the band! 
Illinois State University's "Big Red Marching Machine" is always a hit at the parade, along with local high school bands from Bloomington High, University High, Normal Community High and Normal Community West High. 
Illinois State University President Al Bowman marched with the ISU band, handing out ISU balls and cups to the crowd. 
Bloomington High School "Purple Raiders" marching band. WJBC Laborer of the Year 
Radio Bloomington WJBC annually honors one local worker as "Laborer of the Year." They ride in the parade right behind the color guard. The public nominates individuals to the radio station. This year's honoree was Carpenters Local 63 member Jerry Griffin, a 60+ plus year member of the local. Jerry has always volunteered for community projects and annually repairs and fixes old bicycles, which he distributes to area children in need. Fun at the Parade 
The new "Cornbelters" baseball team, debuting next year, had their mascot "Cornie" riding in the parade. Cornie rode in a brand new Mitsubishi car, riding with United Auto Workers Local 2488 members, who build the cars. 
The International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 193 had this four-wheel drive vehicle nicely outfitted for the parade. 
After being on their feet all week making candy at the Nestle plant, members of Bakery, Confectionery & Tobacco Workers - Grain Millers Local 342 enjoy a float ride during the Parade. 
The 50 U.S. Flags are always well appreciated by the crowd, carried by service clubs and area Boy Scouts. 
These hard working moms are members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. 
Normal Fire Fighters Local 2442 is always happy to have their mascot "Sparky" along for the parade. 
Bloomington Fire Fighters' youngest recruit is always ready to drive truck number "1/2" in the parade. 
Sheet Metal Workers Local 1 is proud of their craft and always ready to have a "tin man" at public events. 
"Happy Labor Day" says the greeting of the Bloomington-Normal Public Transit's bus, driven by members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 752. 
This member of Transit Union Local 752 had a special vehicle for his youngest passenger. 
Horses are always popular at a parade. 
Labor Day is a family day and a great chance to ride with dad, a member of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 649, on the equipment that he operates everyday on the job. |