The Fourth of July celebration in Bloomington once again focused on a parade that celebrated our country’s independence. In addition to the fire trucks, politicians and music, this year’s parade included an entry called “Bloomington Labor Unions and Working Families,” which marched in solidarity under one banner.

For the first time in recent memory, working people in Bloomington had representation for a holiday created by the struggles of artisans and craftsmen seeking freedom from the autocratic rule of the English upper class.

The revolution came on the heels of, and through the support of, working people tired of being pushed around by ruling elites and their soldier patsies.

Demands were placed on Americans who had no say in the development of laws and rights, as these were dictated from across the sea. Taxation without representation, the inability to buy and sell commodities in the market freely and no avenue for self-rule fueled the fire for change.

The common people, or commoners, led the fight against monopolies, wage controls and suppression of liberties. The fishermen, the farmers, the cordwainers (shoemakers), the coopers (barrel makers) and apprentices were the typical soldiers fighting the British during the Revolutionary War.

The working class took the lead in the Revolutionary War, much to the chagrin of the American privileged classes, who were enjoying the benefits of the existing economic system.

It was the rope makers confronting British soldiers who started the Boston Massacre.

It was carpenters revolting against taxes who dressed up as Indians to take over the ships that started the Boston Tea Party.

And it was the Carpenters' Union Hall in Philadelphia where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Thomas Paine in 1776 wrote the definitive pamphlet for the working people, Common Sense, charging up the fervor for independence and calling for revolution.

It is amazing how easily people forget that this country was forged through radical thought and change. But without those revolutionaries calling for justice and taking a stand, where would we be today and what kind of freedoms would we enjoy?

The Fourth of July holiday celebrates our country's move toward self-rule and the freedoms instituted after English rule. Though the idea of equality was novel, it still left out slaves, women and those who did not own property, among others.

However, the working people realized something wasn't right and took action to make a change.

That's why it is still important today for this country to have strong unions. Unions have been, and will continue to be, the voice for all working people.

Just like the workers who organized against tyranny over 200 years ago, labor unions today speak out, promoting issues that would otherwise go unnoticed.

If labor unions did not speak out, who would be talking about increasing the minimum wage, health care reform, improving unemployment insurance and workers' compensation and giving workers a fighting chance to organize so they could improve their working conditions?

Who would challenge the large companies who reap financial windfalls for closing up shop here and sending jobs overseas? Who would stand up for victims of job-site accidents that kill and maim thousands of workers every year? Who would stand up for workers' rights?

I don't think it would be any employer or employer organization fighting for these causes. And I don't think it would be any particular individual. It takes a unified group of people large enough to make and have a presence so those in power will have to listen.

Remember that overtime, holidays, paid time off, pensions and safety on the job came about because workers stood together for a change.

Just as workers are sacrificing their lives for this country today in war, the Fourth of July celebration should be a memorial for those workers who put their lives on the line so we could enjoy what we have today.

Though you may not agree with everything unions do, you have to agree that the labor unions are still the voice for working people. If not, then who is?

Tom Szymanski can be reached at toms@ibew725.org.