Celebrating Labor Day with a picnic

Dozens of community members gathered with local Democratic candidates Monday in Pioneer Park for the annual Solidarity Day Picnic.

The Central Oregon Labor Council puts on the annual picnic.

The council represents all the union workers in Jefferson, Crook and Deschutes counties.

Organizers say the labor movement has picked up since the start of the picnic almost six years ago.

Linda Bradetich, the labor council president, says the movement has helped union workers recognize the need to stand up for themselves.

“We’re for health care, family-wage jobs, affordable housing and just justice for all, social justice for all,” Bradetich said.

Also announced at the picnic was the opening of a new social justice center in downtown Bend.

The local Service Employees International Union, among four other social justice organizations, will be housed there.