In 1882, Walter Maguire, a machinist, serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union, proposed Labor Day celebrations in the United States. At the 1909 Labor Convention, the American Federation of Labor added resolutions for the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement and speeches by prominent men and women became the norm to emphasize the civil significance of Labor Day. Today, Labor Day is celebrated in all states and territories with street parades to celebrate the strength of spirit of trade and labor.
In the Virgin Islands, the Independent Citizen Movement (ICM Party) has moved to the forefront of the U.S.V.I. Labor movement and is partnering with all trade and labor organizations to coordinate a United Labor Day March from the Department of Labor intersection to the Emancipation Garden at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 3. Immediately following the march, local men and women from labor unions, political offices, churches, youth groups, community organizations, and government agencies will rally on labor issues to the general public in the Emancipation Garden. Food and drinks will be on sale.
For additional information, contact Dale Blyden, ICM STT president, at 513-9312 or Jacquel Dawson ICM STT secretary, at 642-5190. E-mail all inquiries to ICM_1968@live.com or Facebook.
