Happy Labor Day!: A Message from Business Manager Tom Kerr

Brothers and Sisters,

This year, Labor Day may look different for many of us. The usual parades, barbecues, and gatherings saying goodbye to summer may be smaller, postponed, or canceled altogether. But Labor Day is about something much bigger.

It’s taking a moment to recognize the achievements of all of working people. It’s a celebration for and by the people who fought to make our country prosperous and fair. And it’s about all of us coming together, as a movement, for more than 130 years.

Unions like ours continue to make big strides for all workers — even those that have yet to organize. We’ve fought for and won a minimum wage, industry safety standards, 8-hour workdays, weekends, paid overtime, increased market share, and much more.

And no matter what, we’ve always made it through. Local 537 has been around for over 100 years. We’ve survived World War II, Vietnam, and now, we will continue to persevere through this moment — and we will come out of this pandemic stronger than ever.

On behalf of all of us at Local 537, thank you for your continued work and dedication. Together, we will continue to be one of the most powerful voices for pipefitters, welders, and HVAC-R technicians in the country.

Have a safe, enjoyable Labor Day. Please take a moment to rest and be proud of what we’ve accomplished.

In Solidarity,