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Labor Day, for most workers in today's world is pronounced labor day . The correct term of Labor Day for them is an oxymoron because they perceive the use of the word labor as a verb meaning to work, rather than as a noun meaning unionized workers acting collectively for the betterment of all.
The national holiday, Labor Day, is the one bright shining moment when Unions and Union activists gather in public in some numbers, in order to honor the American Labor movement and in fact, to honor all workers in this country, union and nonunion as well. Without Unions there would not be this national holiday that is owned by our working people.
It bears mentioning that the Labor movement is directly responsible for many of the benefits that everyone takes for granted each day on the job, and in retirement. It bears repeating because the limited numbers of union members within the working community are not able to reach the younger generations of workers created each year.
In an ideal world all employers would generously share their profits with their workers. In an ideal world healthcare costs would be reasonable and affordable for both employers and employees. In an ideal world fringe benefits would be granted to all workers by all employers. But, we don't live in an ideal world, all employers are not good to their workers, healthcare costs are nearly unaffordable and fringe benefits are drying up faster than the chance for ever seeing cheap gasoline again is. So, Unions remain a viable partner in the checks and balances system inherent in a Democracy. Doing so even in the face of the Global Economy that continues to place an unholy value on finding the cheapest labor wherever in the world it exists and moving to it!
Enjoy the holiday, whether you are working, vacationing, just enjoying the day off, marching in the Labor Day Parade or up on the Northside of town watching it from the sidelines.
Terry L. Hicks
President, Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO |
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