Labor Day to focus on local events

In contrast to the statewide Labor Day rallies and parades of recent years, organized labor in Maine will celebrate Labor Day this year with a variety of local events.

Charles O’Leary, president of the Maine AFL-CIO, has asked union members throughout the state to participate in Labor Day events, to wear union hats, jackets and T-shirts, and to promote the message of Labor Day.

One of the largest events, expected to draw union members from all over the state, will be a show of support for the Greyhound strikers at the Portland Greyhound terminal from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday.

Starting at 3 p.m., there will be a program featuring U.S. Rep. Joseph E. Brennan, Neil Rolde, candidate for the U.S. Senate, Rep. Thomas Andrews, a candidate for Congress from the 1st District, a representative of the striking Greyhound workers, and O’Leary.

Another Labor Day event expected to attract a number of people will be an old-fashioned Labor Day, focusing on family events with games and food, at Oosoola Park in Norridgewock.

Labor Day was first celebrated in Maine at Peaks Island in Portland on Monday, Aug. 31, 1886. After several attempts by labor groups, Labor Day became an official state holiday in 1891.

Despite a rainy day on the first official celebration in 1891, it was attended by thousands of workers who heard the late Samuel Gompers, then head of the American Federation of Labor, speak at Sebago Lake.