What makes Labor Day 2020 Special?

I think we all enjoy having the first Monday of September off. It’s a nice break since the last holiday was the 4^th of July.  That’s a long span not to have a holiday.  So, what’s Labor Day about?

 

It’s dedicated to the American worker and all they’ve done to strengthen the nation, help make America prosperous, and boost the overall well-being of the country. 

 

While the origins of the holiday are debated, what we do know is that one of the first Labor Days came about in the 1880’s out of New York City, and the intent was to celebrate with a picnic. By 1894, 23 states celebrated Labor Day.

 

The first Labor Days involved a street parade with floats and exhibits that embodied the strength and Esprit de corps of the trade or labor unions.  After the parades, there would be festivals, picnics, amusement to help entertain workers and their families.  I, for one, enjoy a good autumn festival.  Today there are “Highland Games” that take place in the fall, State Fairs, Apple festivals, etc… 

 

Labor has contributed to the high standard of living in America, and the worker deserves to be acknowledged for their contributions. I think that’s the heart of the holiday that we shouldn’t forget. 

 

Labor Unions were very important when they first formed.  Labor Unions were formed in the private sector for manufacturing jobs. They helped establish fair practices. Labor Unions not only negotiated fair wages, but also for the 8 hour work day, and benefits from sick time to holiday pay. Labor unions helped to protect workers.  They helped to do away with children laborers as well. 

 

Labor Day is now approximately 125 years old. It’s still considered the unofficial end of summer, as schools usually back up after the holiday.  But do unions do the same thing now in 2020 that they were conceived to do in the 1880’s? The times have changed since 1880’s and now.  The Industrial revolution is over and now there’s a technical revolution. 

 

What makes a Union successful in 2020 is the ability to successfully negotiate contracts.  There are public unions and private unions. Public service unions have grown while private ones have gotten smaller. Public unions focus on retaining good pay, good benefits and job security. Public sector unions also have a political influence. 

 

Private unions have declined due to the jobs market declining in certain jobs such as health care, restaurants, and hospitality as well as manufacturing.

 

 

As for the holiday, I would love see America get back to basics with parades and festivals.  (which would definitely be challenge in 2020 due to COVID) What makes the holiday special for me is the day off to relax and appreciate all the benefits I have due to the hard work of laborers before me.   So, for Labor Day 2020, I’ll be BBQ in my backyard, share my Labor Day flowers with you all, and read a good book.  I might even go shopping at Target. 

 

 ******

Check out my New Release, a Young Adult story: Young Witchcraft. 

BLURB:

Rachel’s secret would have Cotton Mather rolling over in his grave. She’s been raised from an early age to use magic for good, despite her temptation to cast a spell against Phil the bully who can’t stop teasing her.

Joe thinks Rachel is cool, especially when she weaves her healing magic on him, but he’s got his own problems. It’s not easy keeping Rachel safe from Phil’s constant threats.

When Phil poisons Rachel, can love and a little young witchcraft bring Rachel and Joe together or have the years of Phil’s bullying ruined their relationship for good? 

Amazon Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Young-Witchcraft-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B08FVMD4LP/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=stephanie+burkhart&qid=1599423645&sr=8-1

5 Star review for Young Witchcraft:   This book is a most engaging story of young people, with mystical powers. It is set in New England and the writing is rich in detail of the fall season in that area throughout the years. The descriptions transported me as a reader to a different place and time. Bullying is dealt with in a sensitive and straightforward manner. Anyone can be bullied, even a witch with all sorts of powers. The power of love and friendship is tested through the years as the main characters of Rachel and Joe find their way to life at college, which will test them in more ways then they know. I found the story was rich in environmental and historical description. Loyalty, friendship and doing the right thing are strong themes that are well portrayed throughout. I read it in one sitting, which is unusual for me these days. I would recommend it highly and can picture these characters vividly after reading. 

What does Labor Day mean to You? #laborday

For those who have the holiday off – enjoy the time away from work with your family, BBQ, and relax. Me? I'm working the graveyard shift at the 911 call center. Some jobs require that selfless devotion to help others, so those with family members who are 1^st responders and in the military on duty this Labor Day, thank you for your service.

What does Labor Day mean to me? For a long time I thought it was an American holiday to celebrate the end of the summer season. It was the time to get ready for school and prepare for autumn. When I was younger, the adults in my life told me it was to celebrate the 'worker.' But what did that mean to be a 'worker?' And how do unions fit into Labor Day? Are unions just an entity that stuffs its pockets with fat contracts the government/employer can't afford, or do they secure the worker with fundamental rights regarding an 8 hours work day, overtime, and benefits?

"A truly American sentiment recognizes the dignity of labor and the fact that honor lies in honest toil." – Grover Cleveland.

Grover Cleveland was president in 1894, and it was he who signed the bill that made Labor Day a national holiday. Previous to his signing, 30 states recognized Labor Day as a state holiday. (In 1894 there were 44 states) 

When Cleveland signed the bill, the intent was to recognize the social and economic achievements of workers. The holiday was to be celebrated on the 1^st Monday of Sept (instead of in May) because Cleveland was concerned that if Labor Day was in May, it would be associated with the Communist Labor celebration usually held on 1 May. (International worker's day in Europe)

Originally, Labor Day was to be celebrated by local town/city street parades to exhibit to the public the strength and espirt de corps of the trade and labor organizers. After the parade there would be festivals for the people to enjoy. 120 years later, the parades are fewer, the festivals less. Now we travel, we BBQ, we relax. We rarely go to an organized parade or a festival in honor of the worker. The true meaning of Labor Day is lost on many Americans today.

Grover Cleveland was the 1^st Democrat elected after the Civil War in 1885. (The Civil War ended in April 1865.) He was known as a hard worker, honest, and fiscally responsible. He signed the bill making Labor Day a national holiday 6 days after the Pullman strike ended. The Pullman strike resonated nationwide in the summer of 1894. The Pullman company made railroad cars. In 1894, the company reduced workers wages, but not their rents if they lived in the community that supported the Pullman workers. The workers went on strike. Railroads stopped running west of Detroit, Michigan, because they wouldn't use a "Pullman" car. It got ugly when Cleveland sent in the military to end the strike. 30 workers dies, 57 were injured, and there was 80 millions dollars in property damage.

While Labor Day was a culmination of trade and workers' efforts over the years, (the earliest state labor days were celebrated in the early 1880's) it's ironic the national holiday was birthed in the aftermath of such a destructive labor strike.

Historians don’t rate Cleveland as a great president. They don't rate him on the bottom either. His legacy is mixed. He restored and strengthen power to the executive branch and brought and energy to the office not seen previously. However, Cleveland never offered a clear vision for America's future. His small town attributes that made him popular with the people; honesty, hard work, and independence. However, his small town thinking hindered his ability to truly lead as American grew in prominence on the world stage in the 1890's.

Question for all:  What does Labor Day mean for you?

A Look at Labor Day

"Work isn't to make money; you work to justify life. "

Marc Chagall

Labor Day paved the way for the protections we have in the work environment today, but what happened in the past that gave rise to the Unions and their power they enjoy now?

If you do a quick search on Labor Day, you'll find out what Labor Day means for Americans today: a symbolic end to the summer filled with parades, BBQs, and parties. Oh, and it's meant to pay tribute to the accomplishments of the American worker.

In today's headlines, Labor Unions have bargained for themselves (and workers) big fat pensions and benefits that most government agencies can't provide in this current economy. With most labor unions unwilling to compromise, some public agencies have been forced into bankruptcy to renegotiate the contracts.  What's the right answer for today? Perhaps a quick look at the roots and inspiration of Labor Day can help give us a little guidance.

In the late 1880's, conditions for the American worker were pathetic. The average worker put in 12 hour days 7 days a week, and children as young as 5 and 6 toiled in the factory as well. They lacked fresh air, breaks, and clean bathroom facilities.

Workers began to form unions to protest their poor conditions. In 1882, workers marched in New York City in what's considered one of the earliest Labor Day parades. These parades fostered the idea of a workingmen's holiday and several states passed laws to recognize "Labor Day," but nothing occurred on the national level.

The back and forth between management and labor unions began. In May1894, workers of the Pullman Palace Car Company went on strike to protest their wages getting cut and their union reps being fired. The strike crippled railroad traffic throughout the nation. Federal troops were called in and riots broke out. More than a dozen people were killed.

The incident inspired Congress to make Labor Day a legal holiday on the national level. There was more compromise to be made, but today American workers enjoy 8 hour work days, clean restroom faculties, and breaks.

So are there lessons from the past that we can use in today's climate? I say the lesson is – have a willingness to come to the table and find meaningful compromise. It's not easy, but civil unrest is not a solution to anyone's problems.

This Labor Day celebrate the achievements obtained in the past, and remember the spirit of the holiday is more than just BBQs and parties. Labor Day's message is still relevant today as it was 100 years ago, the application just needs a modern approach.

Anyhoo…just some of my heavier reflections on the holiday.  Does anyone want to add anything?  What are your plans for the holiday?

I have the time off, but I need some inspiration.  I want to do more than BBQ in the backyard.  I might go hiking with my boys if the weather is good. Maybe we'll visit the fruit/veggie stands on the 126 heading out to Ventura.  Believe it or not, I'm needing some inspiration.

My June 2012 Summer Short story is "Journey of the Heart."

Can James help Rachel save her winery or will he drift out of her life the same way he drifted in?

Opening Line: James hated wandering

4, 5 Star Reviews on Amazon

The story was compelling and not boring, which is often a stereotype of sweet romances. I would recommend this short sweetie of a story. Good job, author. - Angel E

Excerpt: 

"Your case threatened to run away, so I bribed it." Her sweet expression was an arrow through his heart. 

"Really? What did you bribe it with?" He wiped the sweat off his brow with a handkerchief, caused from a combination of the summer heat and lifting the heavy cases. 

"A job."

He hooked his thumb toward his chest. "Are you offering me a job, Miss Santori?"

BUY LINK: http://amzn.com/B008G1JI6C

References for this blog:

http://www.history.com/topics/labor-day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day

Labor Day 2012 - Thoughts & Reflections

"Work isn't to make money; you work to justify life. "
Marc Chagall


Labor Day paved the way for the protections we have in the work environment today, but what happened in the past that gave rise to the Unions and their power they enjoy now?

If you do a quick search on Labor Day, you'll find out what Labor Day means for Americans today: a symbolic end to the summer filled with parades, BBQs, and parties. Oh, and it's meant to pay tribute to the accomplishments of the American worker.

In today's headlines, Labor Unions have bargained for themselves (and workers) big fat pensions and benefits that most government agencies can't provide in this current economy. With most labor unions unwilling to compromise, some public agencies have been forced into bankruptcy to renegotiate the contracts. What's the right answer for today? Perhaps a quick look at the roots and inspiration of Labor Day can help give us a little guidance.

In the late 1880's, conditions for the American worker were pathetic. The average worker put in 12 hour days 7 days a week, and children as young as 5 and 6 toiled in the factory as well. They lacked fresh air, breaks, and clean bathroom facilities.

Workers began to form unions to protest their poor conditions. In 1882, workers marched in New York City in what's considered one of the earliest Labor Day parades. These parades fostered the idea of a workingmen's holiday and several states passed laws to recognize "Labor Day," but nothing occurred on the national level.

The back and forth between management and labor unions began. In May1894, workers of the Pullman Palace Car Company went on strike to protest their wages getting cut and their union reps being fired. The strike crippled railroad traffic throughout the nation. Federal troops were called in and riots broke out. More than a dozen people were killed.

The incident inspired Congress to make Labor Day a legal holiday on the national level. There was more compromise to be made, but today American workers enjoy 8 hour work days, clean restroom faculties, and breaks.

So are there lessons from the past that we can use in today's climate? I say the lesson is – have a willingness to come to the table and find meaningful compromise. It's not easy, but civil unrest is not a solution to anyone's problems. Just ask the Occupy movement.

This Labor Day celebrate the achievements obtained in the past, and remember the spirit of the holiday is more than just BBQs and parties. Labor Day's message is still relevant today as it was 100 years ago, the application just needs a modern approach.

Anyhoo…just some of my heavier reflections on the holiday. Does anyone want to add anything? What are your plans for the holiday?

I have the time off, but I need some inspiration. I want to do more than BBQ in the backyard. I might go hiking with my boys if the weather is good. Maybe we'll visit the fruit/veggie stands on the 126 heading out to Ventura. Believe it or not, I'm needing some inspiration.

My June 2012 Summer Short story is "Journey of the Heart."

Can James help Rachel save her winery or will he drift out of her life the same way he drifted in?

Opening Line: James hated wandering

4, 5 Star Reviews on Amazon
The story was compelling and not boring, which is often a stereotype of sweet romances. I would recommend this short sweetie of a story. Good job, author. - Angel E

Excerpt:
"Your case threatened to run away, so I bribed it." Her sweet expression was an arrow through his heart.

"Really? What did you bribe it with?" He wiped the sweat off his brow with a handkerchief, caused from a combination of the summer heat and lifting the heavy cases.

"A job."

He hooked his thumb toward his chest. "Are you offering me a job, Miss Santori?"

BUY LINK: http://amzn.com/B008G1JI6C

References for this blog:

http://www.history.com/topics/labor-day
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day