"We are everyday workers." Thousands attend Laborfest on Summerfest grounds

 

Organizers estimate about 5,000 union workers attended the annual Laborfest. 

Workers marched from the newly renovated Wisconsin Workers Memorial in downtown Milwaukee to the Summerfest grounds. 

"We are your neighbors, we are the people who process food stamps, people who fight fires, teach your children. We are everyday workers and we gather together so we have strength in numbers," said Pam Fendt, President of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council.

People celebrated the day off with live music, a car show and fun activities for the kids. Many who attended the event advocated for an increase in minimum wage and health benefits. 

"We support creating family supporting jobs, building stronger communities, building the roads and everything else that goes into our way of life in America and in the state of Wisconsin," said Mark Maierle, Local 420 Operating Engineers.