Yellowknife (Sep 06/06) - More than 1000 burgers and buns, 300 hot dogs, great music and a lot of relaxation could only mean one thing in Yellowknife.

A Labour Day celebration in the downtown core.

Loretta Kaminski, a member of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers local 858, was one of 15 volunteers to help flip hamburgers and hotdogs. More than 300 people lined up for free food during the Labour Day barbecue hosted by the Northern Territories Federation of Labour, the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Union of Northern Workers. - David Ryan/NNSL photo

A crowd of 300 people lined up and chowed down outside of the Elks Hall at a barbecue hosted by the Northern Territories Federation of Labour, the Union of Northern Workers and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).

"It's a day of rest for workers of all types of employment," said Mary Lou Cherwaty, president of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour.

The Federation of Labour wants to emphasize a trend towards more balance between work and leisure, she said.

A Labour Day celebration in Yellowknife is all about emphasising that balance, said Cherwaty.

Residents of Yellowknife appeared to be taking the relaxing day in stride as they enjoyed the free food, free books and labour-themed music. A variety of Yellowknife musicians played during a music competition during the barbecue.

With line-ups beginning as early as 11 a.m., more than 15 volunteers were kept busy flipping hamburgers and hotdogs, but it was all worth it according to Gayla Wick, first vice president with the Union of Northern Workers.

"It's great to see people out to celebrate their struggles and gains made through the labour movement," said Wick.

This Labour Day barbecue feels especially good after coming out of a three month strike, said Wick, referring to PSAC's and UNW's recent three-month strike at BHP's Ekati Diamond mine.

"It feels especially good after our first collective agreement for local 3050," said Wick.