Statewide Iowa — Labor Day union events and parades in most major cities in Iowa were canceled again this year due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.
Iowa Federation of Labor spokesman, Lance Coles, says there was a lot of discussion before the final decision.
He says they also decided to expand the recognition by designating September as Union Appreciation Month.
Coles is a postal worker who has been a union member for more than 40 years. He was asked about where things stand in 2021.
He says the pandemic has also made many people think about what jobs pay and consider if joining a union is a better option for their employment future. Some are critical of unions for getting too political, and leaning more toward Democrats.
He says they review all the qualifications of candidates. Coles says the parade will be missed because they are a way to get out and meet people and show the pride that union workers have. Union events in Iowa City; Mason City, Des Moines; Cedar Rapids; Council Bluffs; Fort Dodge; Sioux City; Waterloo; Quad Cities; Clinton; Marshalltown have all been canceled. Dubuque Is still planning to have a Labor Day Parade, but has canceled its picnic.
