Labour Day Spaghetti Supper Revives Community Spirit in Prince Albert

BREAKING: The Prince Albert & District Labour Council successfully revitalized community spirit with its annual Labour Day Spaghetti Supper on September 4, 2023. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the event drew attendees to the Union Centre on Eighth Street East, celebrating food, fellowship, and solidarity among workers.

Council President Matt Derworiz expressed his excitement, stating, “It feels pretty great. We’ve got our flag up, we’re feeding folks, and we’re building our community.” The event, which serves as a gathering rather than a fundraiser, offered plates of spaghetti with meat sauce, Caesar salad, garlic bread, and drinks, including what Derworiz referred to as “union beer.”

Early turnout was modest, but organizers anticipated a surge in guests as the evening progressed. The supper was priced at a mere $5 per plate or free with a union card, emphasizing accessibility amid rising living costs. Derworiz highlighted the importance of affordability, saying, “If your costs aren’t reasonable, people won’t show up. So it was a little bit of let’s make it happen.”

The Labour Day event not only catered to the palate but also aimed to strengthen community ties among all workers, regardless of their job type. “We’re all workers, whether you’re working a white-collar job or a blue-collar job. You are part of the workforce that keeps this country great,” Derworiz remarked, underscoring the message of solidarity.

In a pointed address, Derworiz urged federal ministers to “stay out of labour relations” and not undermine workers’ rights through Section 107 of the Labour Code. He called for greater union engagement moving forward, stating that the council plans to build on this year’s event for next year’s celebration.

As attendees enjoyed their meals, Derworiz wrapped up his remarks with a heartfelt “Happy Labour Day, everybody,” echoing the event’s spirit of unity and resilience.

This year’s Labour Day Spaghetti Supper not only marked a return to tradition but also reinforced the need for community engagement and support for workers’ rights in Canada. The Prince Albert & District Labour Council’s efforts to create a welcoming environment for all workers signal a hopeful future for labor solidarity in the region.

Stay tuned for more updates on community events and labor initiatives in Prince Albert.