Labor Day marks the end of summer, the closings of pools and openings of school. Does anyone remember that we celebrate Labor Day as a tribute to American workers?
Throughout the years, American workers have fought for many rights and privileges that we take for granted today – the weekend, an eight-hour work day, health insurance and pension, and paid vacations, to name a few.
My father-in-law who I never met, retired from the U. S. Postal service, and his Union benefits enabled him to raise a family, send his son to college and leave us a beautiful home paid for in full. All the American workers ever asked for was a fair wage for an honest day’s work and decent working conditions.
Younger generations don’t know much about Unions and how their use of collective bargaining enabled them to make work environments fair and safe. In early years of unionizing, the battles were tough, but benefitted many.
When my husband and I married five years ago, we used a Union printer to produce our wedding invitations which proudly displayed the Union bug. We support Union-made products and services whenever possible.
And on Labor Day, we do not patronize any businesses. We make sure to purchase our gas, groceries and beer in advance.
Happy Labor Day to all, and many thanks to the American workers that made this day possible.
Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hickey-scott/4919511072/
