MASON CITY, IA- Mason City is hosting a different sort of picnic on this Labor day.
The topic of discussion is less about having a day off and more about the need for jobs. The jobless rate in America is now higher than it has been in previous months.
That's why the President of the Iowa Federation of Labor is making a stop at the Annual North Iowa Nine Labor Council Picnic.
It's just one of many events throughout Iowa dedicated to getting people involved in the election process.
It also helps workers understand which candidates support labor issues. It's a holiday to celebrate the achievements and gains of workers
Day dedicated to labor that can be traced back to a strike more than one hundred years ago.
But, today's union members are trying to address a growing problem....not enough jobs.
Randy Solsaa said, "Curries is slow, cement plant shut down, IMI Cornelius, shut down Tonka Coolers, shut down FRC which was Rockwell Collins, I don't see as many vehicles out there as they used to."
Solsaa worked for Holcim Cement in Mason City for more than 30 years. Now, he's says he's just one of many people unemployed and he knows the importance of having job.
Solsaa said, "survival, you got to eat you got to live I don't know how many homeless we have in mason city but i'm sure that number is growing."
That's the point the Iowa federation of labor's President Ken Sagar is trying to make. Job creation is something middle class families need
Sagar said, "what we need right now is some economic patriots and by that we need corporations that are about creating jobs for American workers instead of shipping jobs overseas."
Sagar looks at labor day as the starting point of the political process and a time to talk about what the country and states can do for workers.
Sagar said, "if we can establish fair trade policies so this country once again becomes a country that makes things and innovation and a country that provides opportunity for all all, our economy will rebound."
He said his message is not just for union members.
"what unions do in terms of struggling to make legislation, makes sure regulations get passed that's for all working families, when we work to improve unemployment, that's not just for union families, it's for all working families," he said.
The next step for this group is to lobby state legislators and members of congress. They are hoping positive change will come soon.
Solsaa said, "get in with legislators and get a stimulus package going whatever it takes to get companies to come to Iowa and get money in buildings and make a product that workers will work and spend his money in the state."
The President of the Iowa's Federation of Labor said his visit is all part of Labor's 2010 program.
It's purpose is to prompt action in November by using the strength of 17 million union members around the country.
