Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO Commemorates America's Workers at Labor Day Breakfast

Wed, 09/14/2011 - 8:52am

Labor leaders, union members, and area politicians joined together on Friday to honor the American worker at its honor Labor Day Breakfast at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee, MA. Turnout to event was solid, with representatives from a variety of area unions reflecting the diverse Pioneer Valley workforce.

Speakers included:

Mike Bissonnette, Mayor of Chicopee
Rick Brown, President of the Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO
Suzanne Bump, Massachusetts State Auditor
Frank Callahan, Massachusetts Building Trades Council President
Robert Haynes, Massachusetts AFL-CIO President
Mary Clare Higgins, Mayor Northampton
George Noel, Director of Dislocated Worker Programs
Domenic Sarno, Mayor Springfield
Steve Tolman, State Senator and likely the new Massachusetts AFL-CIO President

Massachusetts AFL-CIO President, Robert Haynes, and Northampton Mayor, Mary Clare Higgins made what may likely be their last appearances at the Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO. Mayor Higgins is stepping down to work at an anti-poverty agency while Robert Haynes is retiring in October when he will likely be replaced by State Senator Steve Tolman as the head of Massachusetts' umbrella labor organization.

Related Photos

President Rick Brown gets interviewed by local press.
Thanks to volunteers Patti Rogers and Dave Lamontagne for helping to check in Friday's attendees.
Tony Taylor and Antonette Pepe.