Chicagoland celebrates Labor Day, Rauner talks economy
DEERFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- No matter what you were doing Labor Day, the first Monday of September is always a great time to be with friends and family.
In Calumet City, there was another big parade to celebrate the unofficial end of summer. Miss Illinois rode in the back of a convertible and acrobats flew through the air.
Up north in Deerfield, a Greek festival featured a few delicious delicacies, from the Greek version of lasagna to roast pork.
Gov. Bruce Rauner joined the Labor Day parade in Naperville on Monday along with dozens of groups from the town.
"Happy Labor Day! Enjoy the parade," said Rauner. "It's about celebrating the accomplishments, the achievements of the hardworking people across the United States."
Parade participants included Naperville bands, dance crews, veterans' organizations and first responders riding on fire trucks with their families.
Gov. Rauner marched in Naperville's Labor Day parade on Monday even as he readies for a contentious negotiation with the state's largest public employees union.
"What I'm all about is growing the Illinois economy, making sure we are very competitive, more jobs and that we've got high family incomes. We do that through strong economic growth. That's everything we are pushing for," said Rauner.
A judge ruled Friday that Rauner's administration and leaders from the AFSCME Union should return to the bargaining table regarding a new union contract.
Both sides have 30 days to respond to the judge's recommendation. The matter could ultimately be decided by the Illinois Labor Relations Board.
