On Labor Day in 1960, Sen. John F. Kennedy delivered a powerful speech at Cadillac Square in Detroit. He was running for president, and he wanted labor's support.

"I have come here today on a day that belongs to the working men and women of America, to ask you for help in translating the Democratic platform into reality. Give me your help; give me your men; give me men like Pat McNamara and Phil Hart in the United States Senate."

On Monday, more than a half century after that memorable Labor Day speech, folks from labor once again gathered for the annual Labor Day Parade downtown. Just as they did decades ago, a stew of union workers, including pipefitters and plumbers , truck drivers and teachers,  warehouse workers and postal workers,  came out in solidarity.

The challenges for labor these days are plentiful.  In fact, just  this past year, Michigan workers saw their governor usher in right-to-work legislation, something that would have seemed unheard of in this state no so long ago.

In addition to labor,  several politicians showed up for the parade,  including the two Detroit mayoral candidates Benny Napoleon and Mike Duggan. Other notables included U.S. Reps. John Dingall, and Gary Peters and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow.

Sadly, as the parade was underway, picketers at two downtown hotels, were protesting. At the DoubleTree Suites workers say the boss has refused to recognize a union. And at the newly opened Crowne Plaza, formerly the Pontchartrain, workers say the hotel has refused to negotiate a contract.

Simply put: Labor never runs out of new battles.

And so it goes, on Labor Day, 2013.


Union activist Barb Ingalls with "Rosey the Riveter"

For a parade, a bike is really the way to go.

A family standing in solidarity

Sen. Debbie Stabenow schmoozing before the parade.

A mayoral candidate can't miss an opportunity like this.

James R. Hoffa, gone, but not forgotten.

Just along for the ride.

Now that's a tough union look.

Teamster Pres. James P. Hoffa and Rep. Peters 

These guys add a little machismo to riding a bicycle.

This guy was mad that labor backed pro-choice candidates.

The Mike Duggan posse was out in full force.