Labor Picnic Capital District 2026

Labor day is a national holiday to recognize the contributions of working men and women. This labor day finds that 71% of Americans approve of unions, the highest since 1957, even 52% of Republicans expressing support. A record 47% of Americans want unions to have more influence. Union membership however has been declining for decades, with less than 10% of the workforce belonging to a union, down from 20.1% in 1983. The political and economic power of union remain low, constrained by low membership, political opposition, and economic pressures. Wage growth has continued to lag behind inflation, which has hit workers hard since 2021. For our labor day coverage we hear from Congressman Paul Tonko, Steve Madaraz of the NYS Alliance for Retired Americans, labor activists Candace Liden and Doug Bullock. Sean Collins of the Troy Area Labor Council, Melissa Person of the NYS United Teachers, Natasha Pernicka of The Food Pantries for the Capital District, and Greg Giorgio of the Industrial Workers of the World. By Mark Dunlea for the Hudson Mohawk Magazine.