Labor Day 2026 saw thousands of transportation workers and union members turn out in cities across the United States to participate in parades, community picnics, and picket lines. According to reports from labor organizations, members of SMART-TD joined local coalitions to highlight organized labor visibility, workplace safety, and cross-border solidarity.
SMART-TD Members Demonstrate Labor Solidarity Across U.S. Cities During Labor Day Events
Historical Parades and Community Outreach
In Galesburg, Illinois, SMART-TD members from Locals 195 and 445 participated in the oldest continuously running Labor Day parade in the United States. According to union event logs, SMART-TD Illinois Director of Safety and Legislation Chico bob served as the Grand Marshal for the procession, joined by SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson, who walked alongside local members and their families.
Meanwhile in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Local 1202 assisted in organizing the Northeast Indiana AFL-CIO annual free citywide picnic, which drew approximately 5,000 attendees. According to organizers, volunteers served roughly 6,000 hot dogs, 130 gallons of chili, and Burmese cuisine. Local 1202 members handled identification checks, served beverages, and distributed donated milk and juice. SMART-TD member Jeramías Hale served as the chair of the picnic for the event, which involved collaboration from approximately 35 labor unions.
Joint Division Marches and Regional LaborFests
Transportation and Sheet Metal divisions marched in coordination in multiple metropolitan areas. In Omaha, Nebraska, about 150 SMART members and their families joined local festivities, featuring a miniature train operated by the Nebraska Safety and Legislative Board.
In Detroit, Michigan, members from both the Transportation and Sheet Metal divisions wore matching red shirts and carried Canadian flags alongside the American flag. According to participants, the display aimed to express support for Canadian union counterparts amid cross-border economic tensions. The group marched alongside U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, Michigan State Representative Veronica Paiz, Representative Mai Hlee Xiong, and state legislative representatives Dee and Eric Stanger.
In Reno, Nevada, SMART-TD’s booth at the annual LaborFest won the award for best booth. Organized by the Northern Nevada Central Labor Council and the Nevada State AFL-CIO, the event functions as both a community celebration and a job fair for prospective union members. Gabe Christenson of the Nevada State Department of Labor accepted the best booth award on behalf of the delegation.
Alliances in State Capitols and Transit Corridors
Elected officials joined union delegations in several states to voice support for legislative priorities, including railway safety regulations. In Toledo, Ohio, members marched alongside Ohio State Representatives Michelle Grim and Erika White, as well as State Senator Clyde Whitaker. Representative White is also a member of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 4319.
In Charlotte, North Carolina, transit workers from CATS Local 1715, CATS maintenance personnel from Local 1596, and freight rail workers from CSX Local 1166 marched together for the second year. The contingent featured a custom float constructed by local union members. SMART-TD member Gia Lockhart noted to local media outlet WSOC that the mobilization reflected the workforce’s role in supporting the local economy.
Picketing and Labor Actions
Not all Labor Day events involved celebrations. In Boston, Massachusetts, SMART-TD leaders and members joined a picket line outside the Encore casino operated by Wynn Resorts. The labor action, which began on September 4, involved UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25, advocating for wage increases and job security for unionized casino staff, including housekeeping, culinary, and property operations personnel, with coordination from New England SLD Dave Stevenson and BTAPSU President Cole Czub.
Related reading