Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is an annual tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Peter J. McGuire, an early labor leader, was among the first to suggest a day to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.” When one considers turning raw materials of rocks, oil, lumber and air into automobiles, wind turbines, homes and things we use every day, the results of labor are a marvel. When one considers the labor involved in making and maintaining a home, preparing meals and raising children, things we take for granted, labor is at the foundation of who we are as a society.

With declining union membership, a majority of the work done in our country is with workers not represented by a union. When an entrepreneur starts a small business, when a home maker cleans house or prepares meals, or when a care giver raises children, the idea of joining or belonging to a union is not present. It is work that must be done and that is that. For so many, the exigencies of daily life require hard work and innovation just to get by in a society where the unemployment rate is high and much of what we do is in competition with others. This work should also be recognized on Labor Day.

According to U. S. Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, “Americans don’t want a hand out…they just want a level playing field with clear rules, an opportunity to work hard, and a fair chance to provide for their families and get ahead.” Helping achieve this has been, and continues to be, a viable and vital role for labor unions.

At the same time, in the post Reagan era, there is increasing pressure on workers. Pensions have become self directed retirement savings plans. Health insurance is a privilege and not a right. Employment is often “at will,” with no guarantees or commitments from employers. Much of what we need has become politicized, from a bank loan to buy a home to the labeling on food we buy at the grocery store. There are legitimate concerns about access to clean air and water. Who knew we would have to deal with all of this?

This Labor Day holiday is an opportunity to take a break from the work-a-day world and appreciate the toil and trouble that goes into producing everything we use to make our daily lives. Thank a union member for the holiday. Thank your friends, and family for the work they put into maintaining the fabric of our society. Work that often goes unnoticed in the 21st Century.