We can celebrate work - the opportunities we have to earn a living and provide for ourselves and our family.
We can talk about what's being called the "right to work." It's the name given to legislation requiring union membership to be an opt-in for employees.
We might think about labor, specifically the folks who build this country from the ground up and are largely unappreciated until we notice the infrastructure needs fixing.
Finally, we might talk about labor, as in labor unions, and their role during the industrialization of the United States and where it is today.
Since the formal recognition of the day comes from the labor movement's desire to give attention to the social and economic achievements of American workers. In terms of history, it wasn't so long ago men, women, and children (yes, children) could be expected to work in horrible conditions for poor pay. Some mines created towns around the mine where employees were paid with money only spendable at the company store.
There are certainly areas where today's unions may seem to be pushing the envelope. However, it seems pretty clear the United States wouldn't enjoy the country's economic climate without them.
Many of us working in the service economy don't get our hands dirty very often. I admire the men and women who convert the dreams and ideas into something tangible. Roads, buildings, the stuff which makes our lives easy. Thanks for your work.
Just praise is due as well to those toiling on the front lines and in the ranks of service to and for our country whether in the military or in various forms of public service. Thank you for your labor.
I've been a member of one union in my career. The Communication Service Workers union in Madison while working at WISC-TV. I paid my dues, there was no choice, for union representation. The idea of "right to work" is giving employees the choice of whether they want to pay professionals to negotiate for them. On a basic level, it makes sense for people to choose. But on the other hand, you make the choice in applying for a job ith a union. Unions provide training and a voice for those building America.
Labor. It makes me think of building or creation. Many times it's taking care of things I really wouldn't be able or even want to attempt. On the surface, the job might not seem challenging. The person we speed past holding the "Slow or Stop" sign at a construction site, may seem to have a boring job, but I don't think I could handle it or the pressure which comes with it.
You and I both work. We labor. The ability to work is a gift. A serious gift we should use to the utmost of our ability. As my first grade teacher, Mrs. Nienow often said, "If you shall not work, neither shall you eat."
So, as you enjoy a little rest and relaxation from your work today, give thanks to our Father for the talent, skills, and health which allow us to serve him and others with our effort and provide for ourselves and families at the same time.
Happy Labor Day.
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