Today the United States of America recognizes the hard working men and women who have helped build this nation into what it is today. Much of the credit for advancements and improvements in the lives of many Americans go to labor unions and guilds.Health insurance, the 40 hour work week, paid vacations and most benefits from employers are the results of labor taking a stand against management. In 2018 America it seems as if the divide between top management and the rank and file worker is more divided than ever. So, with that in mind thank labor for stopping some of the more inane proposals from ownership and top management. Sure, there have been abuses from big labor, as well as management, but those have usually been corrected when rank and file union members have stood for what is right.
This year the state in which I live (Missouri) went to the polls in August and overwhelmingly rejected "Right to Work" legislation that had been approved by the state's Republican controlled legislature. Management claimed right to work would make it easier to attract new companies to the state. But, labor countered with right to work would mean lost wages for workers in Missouri.
It's kind of strange how history repeats itself because Missourians overwhelmingly rejected right to work legislation 40 years ago when I was just starting out in the work force. But, politicians have short memories and deep pockets so the issue was again put on the ballot. Hopefully, the most recent vote will put right to work back on the shelf for many, many years.
I hope wherever you are and whatever you are doing today you celebrate labor and have a happy, safe and blessed Labor Day!
