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“This is a time to say goodbye to summer and think about the very character of America, a place where every individual matters, and of a time when brave people fought for our weekends, our childhoods, and our pride.”
Workers Fight for Labor Rights (2010) The History Channel
The First Labor Day
Labor Day is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers and their dedication, commitment and contributions to propelling the nation to success.
 On September 5, 1882, over 30,000 New York City workers marched in a parade from City Hall to Union Square, the "home of discontent that gave voice to America's labor movement." The day was celebrated by picnics, concerts and speeches demanding the 8-hour work day and other improvements in working conditions.
This first Labor Day celebration was eagerly organized and executed by New York's Central Labor Union, an umbrella group made up of representatives from many local unions. Continue reading...
A Salute to All Union Stewards
The real heroes of what's left of the labor movement are not the people with the full-time union jobs, union-furnished cars and credit  cards, and union benefits that dues-paying members don't get anymore.
It's the men and women who take time out from their regular jobs, under the baleful eye of their boss, to be shop stewards.
Being a union steward, preferably elected rather than appointed, is not an easy job, if done well. Fellow members can have a multitude of problems and complaints. If their union has a functioning steward system, the first person they're going to contact is not the full-timer "down the hall," but the rank-and-filer who works nearby, in the same department, and functions as a part-time union rep. Read full story at Working In These Times
Labor in The Pulpits
The Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ) and the AFL-CIO sponsor Labor in the Pulpits/on the Bimah/in the Minbar program, which highlights the shared goals of the faith community and the union movement for a new vision for justice in our communities. James Parks over at afl-cioNOWBLOG tells us more:
As part of Labor in the Pulpits, union members serve as guest speakers in congregations to speak out about their faith, work and the union movement….Since 1996, thousands of congregations have focused Labor Day weekend services on the injustices facing low-wage workers and the religious community’s efforts to support those workers’ struggles for living wages and family-sustaining benefits.
Area Labor Day Activities
Celebrate America’s workers this weekend by showing your union pride at a number of activities scheduled in the metro-area. Union members are eligible for special discounted tickets all weekend as part of Six Flags America’s Union Member Appreciation promotion. “Cool off at the area’s best water park, Hurricane Harbor,  featuring incredible attractions Tornado and Bahama Blast at an event for union members, friends and their families!” says Six Flags America. Tickets are $19.99 (plus tax). On Monday, start Labor Day off at the Dundalk-area Labor Day Parade, which kicks off at 9am and features the Solidarity Band from Musicians Local 40-543 and the Baltimore Labor Chorus. "The parade route will march up Sollers Point to Dunmanway to Heritage Park in Dundalk," say event organizers. Then at noon, the Northern Virginia Area Labor Federation is hosting a Labor Day Picnic starting at 12P at Veterans' Memorial Park in Woodbridge. “Come join us for great food, fun and fellowship,” says NoVA Labor President Dan Duncan, “we’ll have horseshoes, softball, swimming and more; don’t forget to wear your union colors!”
DC Metro stops closed Labor Day Weekend Full list here
How About a Movie?
If you're planning to stay home to enjoy well-deserved rest and relaxation, here's a list of labor-themed movies to pick from, including "On the Waterfront", "North Country" and "The Molly Maguires."
Have a happy and safe holiday!
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