It was a good day for organized labor in Michigan on Sept. 3, as thousands turned out in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Marquette and Muskegon to celebrate Labor's Day.

"I like the unity, I like the solidarity," said George Price of Roofers Local 149, who attended the Detroit parade. "This is my first time here, and it's really nice."

The building trades and Teamsters marched east along Michigan Ave., and many participated in the growing Labor Fest, which was held near Comerica Park.

Before and after the parade, at IBEW Local 58, 44 pints of blood were donated by participants to the American Red Cross. In addition, another 30 had blood samples placed into the bone marrow donor registry program to aid a cancer-stricken Teamster.

"Those are really great numbers, and I want to thank everyone who helped us by donating," said United Way Labor Coordinator Ray West.

IRON WORKERS LOCAL 25 members, celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, led the building trades portion of the Detroit Labor Day Parade along Michigan Ave.