America observes a very special holiday on the first Monday of September each year, it is observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.” (www.dol.gov).
Why did it become a holiday, well it was because of the Riots of 1886 called the Haymarket Riots in Chicago Illinois when thousands of pissed-off workers took to the streets in protest of working conditions and hours. They wanted shorter work weeks and better conditions in their respective jobs. The riots became bloody and extremely violent and union advocates helped raise the bar of awareness by lobbying for a yearly holiday in honor of the American Worker. By 1894 Labor Day was designated that very day. Since then, every year we celebrate the American worker by giving them a day off to relax and celebrate their contribution to the American Economy. The only thing is many retail stores don’t abide by the holiday and give their employees the day off, instead, they hold Labor Day Sales across the country so that the hard-working people of America can go spend the money they make each week toiling in the fields, the factories, and their offices across this great land. So where are the Unions? The AFL-CIO, Teamsters, and other labor unions raise their voices and advocate for higher pay and benefits but are silent when the stores are open with sales galore on Labor Day to make money and demand that employees work on the very day, they are supposed to be off relaxing.
“American labor has raised the nation’s standard of living and contributed to the greatest production the world has ever known and the labor movement has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.” (www.dol.gov)
Artist and Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, and journalist. business professional, creative artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride holds a Master's in Criminology and a BS in Business Management she stepped out of the loop for a while but is now back with a powerful opinion and voice in the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach, she is available to counsel individuals to enjoy their dreams and a better life. Ms. Kilbride loves to travel, and photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.
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