Hundreds of union members from across Kern County rallied at Jastro Park in downtown Bakersfield to show the strength of local organized labor despite steep declines in national membership.

Juan Contreras with the Service Employees International Union says their group is growing because recent salary negotiations with the county have been successful, while Millennials are more open to joining organized labor.

Organizers of the Labor Day rally also encouraged attendees to vote for union-backed candidates in November.

Kelli Pierce