Fort Wayne, Indiana - September 5, 2016
Richard Merren, who founded the Workers Project's Labor Day picnic in 1982, leads the party goers in Bingo. "There are two kinds of heroes in the United States. Those that go and defend our liberties and those that made it possible for us to have an organization like this. Because you know we've got the 40 hour week, overtime, holidays, vacation. That wouldn't come without unions," Merren said.
The Workers Project, which created one of the U.S.'s biggest and longest-standing celebrations of labor, is focused on creating solidarity between union members and unemployed and undocumented workers. It provides a possible path forward against the gutting of the traditional labor movement.
The Project's Labor Day picnic is a huge, free potluck and party that highlights the Projects' efforts to create community among groups who are expected to distrust and dislike each other.
CREDIT: Alyssa Schukar