This year, Labor Day falls on September 2. That is next Monday. It will be a time for us to celebrate, but a time to reflect that without our labor unions, there would be no holidays.
We all know people who like to say, "The union never did a damn thing for me, except take my money." Let them be reminded that the unions did everything for them. Without the unions they would not have:
-Safety laws,
-Seniority,
-40-hour work weeks,
-8-hour days,
-Over-time pay,
-Paid vacations,
-Paid holidays,
-The right to file a grievance if you are treated unfairly,
-The right to an investigation before you can be terminated,
-Disability pensions,
-Retirement pensions,
-Unemployment insurance,
-The Minimum Wage Law,
-Medical and dental benefits,
-Maternity leave,
And last but not least,
-The Family Leave Law.
Please note that "Safety laws" is at the top of the list. The prime issues that brought about the formation of unions in the last century, were safety and working conditions. Issues of compensation and benefits were not addressed until much later.
"Seniority" is next on the list; because if you don't have seniority, you don't have job security. Your job could last only as long as you are part of the "in crowd," or until your supervisor wants to make a job for his wife's nephew.
We are deeply indebted to the members of previous generations who suffered and fought to get these rights for future generations. Let us not forget that Labor Day is celebrated to honor them.