LaborFest 2007 is taking place in cities around the Bay Area from July 5th through July 31st. LaborFest was established in 1994 to institutionalize the history and culture of working people in an annual labor cultural, film, and arts festival. It begins every year on July 5th, which is the anniversary of the 1934 “Bloody Thursday” event. On that day, two maritime workers were killed by a police attack on strikers and their supporters. This touched off a general strike, and led to the complete shutdown of the city. This is seen as one of the most important general strikes in the history of the United States. It is credited with leading hundreds of thousands of workers to join the trade union movement.

This year, LaborFest is dedicated to a sister and brother who have passed on. Working class writer, activist, and feminist Tillie Olsen was a regular participant in LaborFest. She is viewed a major chronicler of the labor movement - she told the story of the San Francisco general strike and the people whose principles and commitment transformed the Bay Area. LaborFest will also remember the life of Val Schaaf, a participant and supporter of the 1946 Oakland general strike which is commemorated every year with a walk.

LaborFest Events in Indybay's Calendar | LaborFest calendar | Photos & Videos From LaborFest: The Silence of Good People -- Jack Chernos | Union Maid -- Marcus Duskin | Which Side Are You On? -- Jimmy Kelly