Winnipeg's annual Labour Day Parade drew thousands to Central Park Monday afternoon.

Workers and union supporters marched from Memorial Park to the city's core to celebrate the labour movement.

It's the first time in more than 15 years Manitobans are celebrating Labour Day under a Progressive Conservative government.

Hundreds took part in the annual Manitoba Federation of Labour march in Winnipeg Monday. (Teghan Beaudette/CBC) The Opposition NDP says they're not happy with what they've seen so far — from what they call inaction on job losses in Churchill and The Pas to tabling Bill 7, which they argue makes it more difficult for workers to form a union

Manitoba Federation of Labour President Kevin Rebeck said they're also concerned about the move, which calls for unions to hold a secret ballot, even if 65 per cent of employees in a workplace sign union membership cards.

Under previous rules, unions would be automatically certified if 65 percent of workers wanted to create one.

Rebeck said another disappointment is measures for low-income earners.

"Very disappointed we've yet to hear any increases to minimum wage. We're trying to meet with this government and build stronger relationships and understanding but there is some frustration there for sure," said Rebeck. "I'd like to see us do more for people who are struggling to get by. There's low income workers — people who work full time and work under the poverty line — and that needs to change."

Provincial officials responded Monday by saying they're staying focused on reigning in spending and coming up with long-term solutions to balance the books.

'If you have a weekend — thank a union'

Not everyone at Monday's march was concerned about the impact of a Tory-led provincial government on workers' rights.

Bradley West is the diversity co-ordinator for Red River College and a member of the Manitoba Government Employees Union.

Bradley West, who marched in the Parade on Monday, is the diversity co-ordinator for Red River College and a member of the Manitoba Government Employees Union. (CBC) He marched on Monday and said he thinks a new government could be great for workers.

"My mother was a business owner and my father was an avid unionist and there were sometimes where his unions were picketing my mom's businesses," West explained. "At the end of the day, my mom understood that fair conditions and great wages made a better economic advantage for the business so she was never opposed to those types of things. I'm hoping that's what our government will do now too."

West said he sees a bright future for unions in Manitoba, and they will continue to be a major force in the province.

"If you have a weekend — thank a union. You have workplace health and safety? Thank a union. If your kids don't have to leave school when they're 13 or 14 and work in a factory? Thank a union," said West. "Take a moment to think of all the things you take for granted … that unions have brought to us."