Many of the people at the rally and picnic at Phoenix Park in Eau Claire are union members, but it's their first time participating in a large Labor Day celebration like this.

Some say they're still riled up about the collective bargaining issues from earlier this year.

"I am a public sector employee and I’m damn proud of it!" says Phil Swanhorse, an Eau Claire City Bus Driver and union member who addressed the crowds Monday morning.

From bus drivers, to teachers, to elected officials, those who walked from five different points across the city for this year's Labor Day celebration in Phoenix Park say they're stepping out in solidarity.

“I’m just really proud. I'm proud of the collaboration that I see and just the community spirit. I think that Eau Claire is lucky to have involved people who care about the community and really want to work together,” says Special Education Teacher Sarah Duerry.

Duerry and other teachers say after losing their collective bargaining rights in February, it's the first year their union has been an integral part of the festivities.

“It's been great. There are many, many people from the community out here,” she says, looking at the line for food stretching from the pavilion out onto the paths along the river.

The "regulars" at the picnic say they've never seen crowds this large.

“The community is behind us and now this is our opportunity to give back to the community and say thank you for supporting organized labor,” says Jack Connell, a local union organizer.

Labor organizers say though they're gaining support, the fight for worker's rights in Wisconsin is far from over.

“Look around. The future's great. When you have a beautiful day like this and have a huge turnout, it’s great. But when we're successful, all working families will be successful in this state,” says Connell.

Labor organizers say though this past year has been difficult with what they say is anti-union legislation, more workers are actually interested in joining unions.