Labor Day: a time to reflect on the struggles of the working man

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Carol Forsloff----This weekend the United States celebrates the working man on a holiday called Labor Day.  It has its roots in the history of the democracy that experts remind us expanded with the Industrial Revolution, that brought to the forefront the wishes, dreams, hopes and contributions of the ordinary working man.

The United States Department of Labor, the organization that represents the mission of the working man and one of the expert organizations that espouse the history of the labor movement, says this of the origins of Labor Day and what it represents:  “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 constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”

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Labor Day was founded at a time when the working man spent 12 hours daily, for the most part, sweating in the farms and factories, often with little compensation relative to everyday needs.  In those days of the 1800’s, when robber barons ruled, the working man had little opportunity to make a contribution because of the barriers set by heavy hardships, historically documented as time of great difficulty in the transition to full democracy.

Beaverton, Oregon celebrates Labor Day, as many people do, with picnics and parties and the like.  Some of the websites referencing the town also announce job openings that are representative of labor’s continuing struggles.  For example, it lists a number of temporary and day labor jobs, that US statistics maintain is a segment of the working man’s market that is growing.   It is also a reminder that the working man’s day to remember, according to economic experts,  is marked by historical differences in terms related to time and social events with today’s labor force continuing its struggle for economic stability, even as demonstrations reveal the fragmentations in the community and some of the same concerns expressed today as they were generations ago.

For this Beaverton journalist, the struggle of the working man represents a family of origin, a  grandfather who worked with his hands long hours for a company without a union and benefits, who died with little, a sister a member of a union who now lives a comfortable life, but may lose it in the cutbacks that can occur,  there is the worry that the nation is pedaling backward in its honor and respect for the working man.

Labor Day: the working man and the new robber baron

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Carol Forsloff-- On Labor Day most Americans take a break from work and head for a few days respite with family, friends or some wonderful place to play, but the memories of why the day is special seem to fade as the rollback of benefits and jobs takes place and takes its toll as well.

The labor movement began as a protest against large companies with poor working conditions, child labor, tyrannical administrations, long hours and little pay for long hours and lots of work. In response to this, people banded together to form unions. The unions had the force of numbers, a force that allowed for changes to take place. These changes meant the advent of a real middle class with money to buy goods and services that strengthened the economy and helped make the United States a super power in the world.


The history of labor is fraught with turmoil, with political dissension and violence. The outcome wasn’t always what the rank-and¬¬-file worker wanted, as big union bosses sometimes took over the mantle of big business with domineering, dictatorial ways and an underbelly of crime that demanded workers contribute to funds that allowed the growing power and dominance of labor. But over time the conduct became more modified, as labor became no longer the underclass but a majority with purpose.


As Labor Day is celebrated the wind-down of its power and prestige is seen in many places. The corporate arm of business got a serious shot for sure with the Supreme Court decision allowing them to lobby and contribute to campaigns as individuals, thus multiplying power and control. Along with the Court’s support allowing big business a dominant role in elections. This feeds the growth of the right-wing politicians who rely on corporate backing to gain and maintain elective office while the power of labor is emasculated by financial cutbacks that impact their jobs.


Labor Day is a time to recognize the contributions of ordinary workers to the growth and power of the United States. It can also be a time to renew the nation’s confidence and support of it before the return of Draconian behavior that will reduce America to a second-rate power as it was before that ordinary worker was valued, not just the boss that raised the iron fist.


In the meantime modern corporations have put together great piles of cash to maintain their power, through tax reductions and reduced employment, forming once again the robber baron class that limited labor’s force and pride. Wisconsin’s workers could not match the mighty corporate strength, losing rights long fought for long ago.


Labor Day is more than just a beach day. It is a comment on the working man who has allowed America the great diversity and freedoms that it has, a value that the country should not lose.