The nation celebrates Labor Day on the morrow. This holiday was created in the later part of the nineteenth century in response to immoral and abusive conditions for workers. In that era, 12 hours shifts, 7 day workweeks and child labor were all routine. Organized labor expanded over the ensuing decades leading to legislative and societal guardrails protecting workers from abuse and exploitation.
Despite continued reforms of the workplace and fairer treatment of workers, tensions remain between management and labor. At this very moment, the United Auto Workers has overwhelming authorized a strike in the event that union leaders decide that this is necessary.
A typical Labor Day scene
While this holiday has deep roots in organized labor, keep in mind that most American workers are non-union, and their work should be honored as well.
Regrettably, but understandably, the true meaning of Labor Day and many other federal holidays is not top of mind for most Americans. These commemorative moments have become days of leisure when the central foci are the barbecue and retail sales promotions. American workers deserve our gratitude and I'll aim to reflect on this tomorrow.
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