To the editor:
Every year, Labor Day rolls around and, for many of us, it’s just a welcome day off — a chance to squeeze in one last summer barbecue or catch up on sleep before fall routines kick in. But somewhere between the sales and the backyard burgers, the original meaning of the day gets lost.
Labor Day isn’t just about a three-day weekend; it’s about honoring the people who keep our country running. The folks who build roads, teach our kids, deliver our packages, lay the bricks on our schools, stock shelves, care for the sick, and keep the lights on. It’s a day to remember that every job, no matter how big or small, contributes to all that makes America work.
The Labor Day holiday has roots in the union movement, born out of the fight for fair wages & benefits, safe working conditions, and reasonable hours. It’s easy to forget that the 40-hour work week, safe jobsites, and the eight-hour workday weren’t always guaranteed. People risked their jobs — and sometimes their lives — to win those rights; we all take for granted, for all of us.
This Labor Day, I hope we all take a moment to appreciate the work that goes on behind the scenes, often thanklessly, to keep our society moving. Let’s recognize the dignity in all work and remember that progress comes when we stand together, not just as workers, but as a community.
Southeast Ohio Central Labor Council AFL-CIO
Ted Linscott, President
Athens, Ohio
