Labor Day protests across U.S. and Central Oregon with message: ‘Workers Over Billionaires’

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- This Labor Day, demonstrators gathered across the country to call for fair wages and greater support for workers over billionaires. In Central Oregon, protests took place in Bend, Redmond, and Sisters. 

The AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) is one of the main organizers of the event. On their website, they posted the message: "In the streets and on the shop floor, in union halls and the halls of Congress, working people are rising up, speaking out and fighting for an economy, a government and a country for the people—not the billionaires."

KTVZ spoke with Cyndi Davis, volunteer with 50501 Central Oregon, at the Bend event.

“We are representing the workers of this country that have created our billionaires. And we think that it’s only fair and just that that money trickle down to the people actually doing the work,” said Davis.

Organizers say the event is about more than raising awareness, it’s about building community and giving people ways to take action. 

“There are a lot of people frustrated with what’s happening. This gives us an opportunity to come together and also to inspire other people to use their voice,” said Davis.

Protesters handed out information on letter-writing campaigns, local causes, and monthly demonstrations aimed at keeping the momentum going. 

“We always list local causes that are being impacted by what’s happening, how you can help, and we update that every month,” said Davis.

The hope of organizers and protesters is to see more people speaking up and to keep the conversation going beyond the holiday.