Labor Day had its origins in the Pullman strike of 1894, when railroad workers in Chicago and several other cities pushed back against owner-mandated wage cuts. In the violence, many died. Only a couple of months later, President Grover Cleveland and Congress created the national holiday.
It was a time of growing abhorrence to the six-day-a-week, 10-hour day schedule that industrial workers – men, women and children – were subjected to, their wages sometimes going to company-owned housing and retail stores. Labor Day was named to call attention to working men and women and as part of an effort over the next two decades to require more humane working conditions.
Today’s workers are much less likely to be union members than they were in the early 20th century – working conditions made unions very appealing, then – but they still deserve a tribute to their skills and productivity which make the American economy as diverse and strong as it is.
Recent years have not been good to working men and women. The steep increase in unemployment following the mortgage collapse of 2008 took years to correct, with wages only recently inching upward. The steps the federal government took to put big banks on stable footing and to save the auto industry were critical, as were funds that helped states retain teachers and government workers. But some are now working two lower-paying jobs, or have given up looking for work altogether.
Had the federal government taken advantage of the very low interest rates partially created by the Federal Reserve in order to undertake large infrastructure improvements – badly needed roads, water systems and bridges – employment would have benefited. Eight years later, the continuing low interest rates still make that employment and wage bump possible.
With so little strength at the low end of the economy, a few municipalities and states have stepped up to provide the underpinnings for higher wages and benefits. In a few weeks, Colorado voters, for example, will have the opportunity to raise the minimum wage to $12 over the next few years. A minimum wage at that level can be considered only symbolic, as by then competitive hiring and retention practices will have driven it that high or higher. Also, $12 an hour is a living wage in only the very lowest wage-paying parts of Colorado.
Education continues to be critically important. Those looking for work who have a college degree fare far better than those without. For them, the national unemployment rate is half of the overall rate. And the value of technical certificates, earned at community colleges, is understood by employers.
But, beware the for-profit colleges which promise entry into a high-paying field. High tuition is a certainty, while the job is not.
Growth of the American economy is on an upward slope, albeit a gradual one. Improve your education to be hired or promoted, and be willing to move where the jobs are. The U.S. continues to be a country of opportunity.
For a few minutes Monday, think of all those who have made – and are making – this such a productive country.
