While there haven’t been many bright spots in the job market this year, thousands of workers from around Michigan celebrated labor’s day, anyway on Labor Day 2009.

“Now’s the time to support each other,” said Tommy Kruk of Sheet Metal Workers Local 292. “We should be here.” Added 292’s Brad Katchuba: “It’s important for us to be here and show our support for each other.”

Labor Day celebrations were held in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ishpeming and Muskegon this year, in a state that’s has been hardest hit by unemployment and economic suffering.

“With the (U.S.) unemployment rate at 9.7 percent, it is no secret that Americans are facing monumental challenges during this economic crisis,” said Labor Department Secretary Hilda  Solis. “I know that every job lost, every hour cut from the workweek, means another family having to make difficult decisions.”

Solis said the Economic Recovery Act, along with other Obama administration economic policies had “started getting economic activity back on track,” and had helped soften the blow of unemployment. “We know the tough times are not over. But we also know that without the steps we have already taken, the pain would be far worse,” she said.

That may be, but no state is worse than Michigan’s 15 percent unemployment rate, where the auto industry’s troubles have spread to every sector of the economy.

“Things are difficult and it’s important to come out and show some numbers and support each other in the trades,” said Dejuan Carroll of Boilermakers Local 169. “I support working people, because I am one.”

Solis cited as a sign of optimism the number of layoff victims who had “re-invented and re-educated themselves” in order to get new jobs in different industries. “These workers renew my faith that we will overcome our challenges and that our country will once again rebound stronger than before.”

AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said Labor Day is a time renew the nation’s focus on passage of union-friendly legislation like the Employee Free Choice Act, which would make it easier for workers to join unions.

“Labor Day marks a critical moment for union members and working families – despite the economic crisis, there’s a chance to make real change and improve people’s lives,” he said. “Labor Day marks the beginning of the final push for Congress to consider key major working family issues, including health care and labor law reform. All hands are needed on deck to make sure Congress understands they must seize the moment to make real changes in both arenas.

“Workers have waited too long to win real freedom to form unions and bargain for better lives…. The Employee Free Choice Act will finally restore some much-needed balance to our economy.”

PIPE FITTERS Local 636 members led the Labor Day Parade march along Michigan Avenue in Detroit on Sept. 7.

UA LOCAL 174 members await the start of the Muskegon march.