HALEDON, NJ—Members of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Labor United Educational League marched at the Labor Day Parade presented by the American Labor Museum in Haledon, NJ. This year marks the 3rd year that LUEL members participated in the march and the first year LUEL signed on as a Parade Sponsor. The American Labor Museum, aka the Botto House, is sacred ground for the labor movement, notably as the meeting place for over 20,000 silk mill workers during the 1913 Paterson Silk Strike. During the strike, the Mayor of nearby Paterson, NJ banned workers from assembly within city limits, at “Big Bill” Haywood’s urging Pietro and Maria Botto allowed the strike organizers to use their home to host weekly rallies of strikers.
The event started with a gathering at the American Labor Museum at 10:30 am, with speeches by the parade honorees. Speakers outlined the significance of the historical site and the demands of the silk mill workers during the Paterson Silk Strike. This included safer working conditions, ending child labor, and an 8-hour workday. Notable labor leaders “Big Bill” Haywood and Elizabeth Gurley Flynn delivered speeches from the house during the strike.
Various groups participated in the march, mostly local unions in fields such as healthcare, electrical, education, postal, transit, and construction. Political groups such as the Green Party of NJ and NJ Peace Action were also present. Residents of the neighborhood were enthusiastic to see the workers and activists who serve their community marching in the parade. The march was a great success, LUEL members were able to reach out to the community in Haledon and foster a stronger connection with the American Labor Museum. Members of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter look forward to attending their events, possibly holding meetings and a class at the museum, and collaborating in sponsoring the Campaign for Public Rail.
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