West Kootenay Labour Council Hosts May Day BBQ
By Contributor
“The West Kootenay Labour Council (WKLC) invites all residents of the Castlegar area to join us in celebrating International Workers’ Day on Friday May 1,” said Gerry Schmon, WKLC president. Local union affiliates are sponsoring a free barbecue lunch between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Spirit Square in front of City Hall.
“Around the world, workers acknowledge May 1 as the day to celebrate gains made in working conditions, health and safety and wages and benefits. However, it is also a day to reflect on the growing inequalities in society, the erosion of public services that communities rely on and the gap in wages between men and women that need to be addressed,” he continued. “We celebrate the fact that when workers show solidarity in the face of oppression, we have the strength to make positive change. With increased attacks on democratic rights, our environment and our social networks, we need to solidify our commitment to protect the collective gains we made and protect our children’s futures”, Schmon asserted.
“Labour council delegates chose Castlegar to be this year’s celebration site and we invite everyone to join us for lunch prepared by members of the United Steel Workers and check out the information our affiliates have to share about important community issues,” he concluded.
