Union official to throw out first pitch

The Massachusetts AFL-CIO said its president, Robert J. Haynes, is scheduled to throw out the first pitch at Fenway Park before a Labor Day game between the Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays.

The union is mounting an effort to reclaim Labor Day and remind Americans that it is more than just a day off.

"The reality is, Labor Day should mean more now than ever," Haynes said in a statement. "The Labor movement is still struggling to gain basic rights for American workers and faces increasing resistance from the corporate world and elected officials who favor big business instead of the men and women who work every day to create the great wealth of America."

As for the chance to throw out the first ball at Fenway, Haynes added, "Tim Wakefield and Josh Beckett have nothing to worry about."
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)