CHICAGO — Early Labor Day celebrations kicked off in the Pullman neighborhood on Saturday, an area deeply rooted in America’s labor movement.

Paradegoers enjoyed candy and freebies as they cheered on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside a multitude of unions, businesses, elected officials and community members who marched down Cottage Grove Avenue.

“Just supporting everybody, you know, labor, the labor forces, the unions that are out here. Because, I’m a letter carrier, so I’m in the union too. So yeah it’s a great thing,” paradegoer Rahsan Morris said.

This annual holiday represents much more than summer’s last hurrah, a day off work on Monday or an extended weekend. The labor movement has deep roots in Pullman and across the city.

“Whether it’s the workers who fought for fairness at Pullman, the fight for the eight-hour work day, or modern fights for, you now, making sure workers have the ability to have sick leave, benefits,” Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter said.

To brothers who each spent more than working at Pullman Standard participated in Saturday’s parade.

“It was one big happy family. And of course, the union was involved in that,” former Pullman employee Alfonso Quiroz said.

They expressed their gratitude to the steelworker’s union for its support. especially when the company ceased operations in 1981.

“They offered early retirement,” Quiroz said. “I’ve been retired 42 years now collecting pension, and still collecting it.”

While many embraced the beautiful weather and time with family, they also took a moment to recognize the contributions of the working class and the impact that unions have made on society.

“I’ve never been in a union. I’ve always been in a private sector as far as working. So whatever helps them to get the job done. Equality for all employees, I’m all for it,” paradegoer Geri Durham said.

The Chicago Federation of Labor said they will continue advocating for social economic and racial justice for all working people in Chicago and the county.