BILLINGS — On Monday, union families in Yellowstone County gathered for the annual Labor Day picnic at Rose park.
Live music, and the sizzling grills served up burgers and dogs, as hundreds enjoyed the outdoor annual event.
The President of the Greater Yellowstone Central Labor Council said, "recognizing the American worker and what they have done for this country. The unions have created the middle class. There was no middle class before unions and we celebrate our workers. "
Over a hundred years ago, the Labor Day holiday was made to pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of the American worker. The picnic tradition was made 37 years ago, in Billings.
Each year Johnson says the picnic becomes more and more popular with union families.
Labor Day is the last chance for many to go on trips before summer ends. The holiday also marks the beginning of the American football season. But the federal holiday first held in 1884 and stems from the desire of the central labor union to create a holiday for workers. Appreciating the work of the trade and labor organizations.
"Doesn't get any better than this," said Johnson.
Captain Alan Lohof with the Billings fire department said, "We enjoy and appreciate all of the work that the unions have done over the decades to provide for safe working environments pay and benefits. It's always great to come together and celebrate with other unions on labor day."
Many unions participated in the annual event including the Billings Fire Department, who showed up as the grill masters.
"Every year we bring out grill out and BBQ up hamburgers and hot dogs for all of the members here and it's a great time," said Lohof.
The BBQ was such a success they ran out of hamburgers before 2:30 p.m.
