It was 1969, on the first ever season of Sesame Street, when the late Bob McGrath sang “The People in Your Neighbourhood” alongside a cast of crooning muppets for the first time.  

The song features different occupations and always ends with the same refrain: “An [occupation] is a person in your neighbourhood / A person that you meet each day.” It was featured on the show dozens of times through the years, and it was always a favourite of mine growing up. 

Today, on Labour Day, I can’t help but think of this song, especially when I think about all the crucial work SGEU members do to keep our communities safe, healthy, and prosperous. 

Because, at the end of the day, you are the people in our neighbourhoods. In addition to the crucial work you do in your roles as SGEU members, I know many of you are also coaches, board members, volunteers, and caretakers. Outside of work, you have your own passions, interests, hobbies, and responsibilities. 

As we celebrate workers today, I want to celebrate everything our members do, in and out of the workplace, to make our province a better place. I also want to reaffirm SGEU’s commitment to fight for safe working conditions and work-life balance for all workers. Everyone deserves the opportunity to engage in their neighbourhoods beyond work—to participate, have fun, and to rest.  

This is something I hope members keep in mind as we approach the provincial election. Your work sustains cities, towns, villages, hamlets and municipalities across the province, and it’s important that whoever you vote for remembers that fact. 

Thank you for everything you do to make our province thrive and, above all, thank you for being a neighbour. Happy Labour Day!

In solidarity,

Tracey Sauer (she/her)
SGEU President