September 5, 2026 Region 8 Participates in
Nashville Labor Council Labor Day Parade by UAW Region 8 Webmaster John Davis
Photos by Holly DeYager Local 1853 and Sedric Savage Local 1407
The Central Labor Council of Tennessee held their Labor Day Parade on Saturday, September 5, 2026. The annual parade has been named the Vonda McDaniel Labor Day Parade in honor of former Central Labor Council President Vonda McDaniel who passed away earlier this year.
Vonda became a union member in 1992 when she was hired at the Bridgestone plant in La Vergne and joined the United Rubber Workers. She was active in her local union and was elected as Vice President of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, expanding her reach to help working people beyond Tennessee.
She was a graduate of Tennessee State University, and her gifts as a leader quickly became clear. She served as a shop steward, became active in the United Steelworkers, and grew into a respected voice through the Women of Steel program, where she not only received training but later helped train and encourage others.
UAW Regin 8 Director addressed those gathered for the parade, prior to the event. “It is great to be here with you today, celebrating the one day of the year set aside to honor those who turn the wheels that make America go. It is workers who build the products, run the offices, care for the sick, and create the wealth that drives this country.
The cost of living in this country is far outpacing wages. Actions by our government is driving the cost of living through the roof. According to the Bureau of Labor statics, last November there were 9.3 million Americans working more than one job. No person who works 40 hours a week should live in poverty.
Less than 6% of workers in Tennessee belong to a union. State laws make it difficult to organize. Collective bargaining is the only power workers have and we must increase the number of union workers in Tennessee.
To do this it starts at the ballot box. We have to elect candidates that believe in worker’s rights. Only then will we see legislation that removes the obstacles workers face when they try to organize. Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee saw a 20% across the board wage increase, a 20% reduction in health care rates and guarantees of employment levels through the life of their contract.”
