LEWISTON/JAY/RUMFORD — The Western Maine Labor Council will host three barbecue celebrations this year on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2. The events are all free and open to the public.

“Mainers work hard and deserve a day to celebrate all we have achieved. Labor Day is a day to honor workers for the sacrifice and contribution they make every day to make our country a stronger place,” said Don Bilodeau, president of the Western Maine Labor Council.

The Lewiston cook-out has become an annual event drawing hundreds. The Jay location was added last year, and Rumford will host their first Labor Day barbecue this year.

“It’s getting harder and harder for Maine families to make ends meet. Productivity by workers is increasing yet wages have been stagnant for years. We have to stick together and fight back to build an economy that works for everyone,” Bilodeau said. “Labor Day is about honoring the work we do, as well as building our collective momentum to continue the fight for workers’ rights, good paying jobs with benefits, safe work places, and a voice on the job.”

The events will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at USW 900 Union Hall, 232 Route 108, Rumford; USW 14 Union Hall, 16 Intervale Road, Jay; and IBEW 567 Union Hall, 238 Goddard Road, Lewiston.

There will be speakers, guests and activities for kids and families.

The Western Maine Labor Council represents more than 5,000 workers in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford Counties. For more information call Don Bilodeau, 754-7258.