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Thursday, August 21, 2003

Ankur Dholakia / The Detroit News The 63-foot-tall Michigan Labor Legacy monument in Hart Plaza symbolizes the importance of union labor.

Unions unveil labor monument

By Mike Hudson / The Detroit News

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DETROIT -- Hundreds of labor supporters turned out in Hart Plaza on Wednesday for the unveiling of the Michigan Labor Legacy monument, a soaring, 63-foot tall circular gear symbolizing the importance of union labor to the region's history.

The project has been in development since the Detroit 300 celebration in 2001, with organizers raising $1.5 million to fund the 30-ton monument. Construction began this past spring. A series of large stones with images of the history of American labor are arranged at the base in a spiral, guiding visitors through the monument.

"This shows our past is rich," said Donald Boggs, president of the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO. "Let us meet the challenges of the future just as our forefathers met the challenges of the past."

Union leaders are hoping that by placing the monument at Hart Plaza, they will be able to attract the attention of many young people at music and food events throughout the year. Unions are fighting to retain their membership levels as the U.S. economy shifts to more service-based jobs and away from manufacturing.

"We're sending a message that labor is getting stronger every day," said Robert Ficano, Wayne County executive. "This monument will stand as a teacher of labor's importance."

You can reach Mike Hudson at (313) 222-2293 or mailto:mhudson@detnews.com

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