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Thousands March in Annual NYC Labor Day Parade

Show Solidarity, Voice Issues Facing Working Families

3rd Row: David Kellner
2nd Row L-R: Melissa House, Patrician Guinan, Quin Chia, Eric Montessa, Marty Clarke, Father John Sheehan
Front/kneeling L-R: Tuomas Hiltunen, Melinda Hall
photo by David Lotz/Eric Montessa

Despite ominous weather forecasts, thousands of union members were joined by their families and labor supporters in the annual NYC Labor Day Parade on Saturday, September 6, 2008. This year, the parade returned to its traditional Fifth Avenue location, having moved to Ground Zero last year in honor of the victims and survivors of 9/11 terrorist attacks.

This year's theme was the Wounded Warrior Project, which paid special tribute to the brave women and men who have given their lives to our country. The parade was led by a contingent of Iraq War veterans, joining honorary Parade Chairman Stuart Appelbaum, President RWDSU/UFCW. The parade is organized by the NYC Central Labor Council, Edward F. Ott, Executive Director.

Equity's contingent was organized by National Communications Director David Lotz. and headed by AEA Executive Director John P. Connolly. Equity was joined by other entertainment unions on the parade route, including AFTRA, SAG, WGA-East, ATPAM, Local One IATSE, Local 764 Wardrobe, Local 828 Scenic Artists, Local #798 Make-Up and Hair, and Local 802 AFM.

AEA ED John P.Connolly (left) congratulates the Equity contingent at the end of the parade.
photo by David Lotz/Eric Montessa

BRAVO to our marchers: Mary Alice, Quinn Chia, Marty Clarke, Patricia Guinan, Melinda Hall, Tuomas Hiltunen, Melissa House, Lori Lundquist, Eric Montessa, Father John Sheenan, and Charles Turner.

Join us next year !

On 5th Avenue, SAG, AFTRA, WGA and AEA marched together
photo by David Lotz/Eric Montessa