Ahh, it’s Labor Day; that time of year when school is back in session and summer is coming to a close. Can you smell the grills burning off this summer’s juices? Soon the air will cool, the leaves will change color, days will shorten and we’ll be getting our shovels ready. I, for one, can’t wait!
Until then, let’s get through this confusing, end of summer holiday, Labor Day.
Labor Day started in New York City as an organized parade in 1882. It honored the workers of our country; the same workers that put in 40+ work hours a week and often worked weekends and holidays. Many of the celebrated workers received less pay and little to no vacation time compared to white collared professionals.
President Grover Cleveland declared Labor Day a national holiday in 1896 and since, we observe it yearly on the first Monday in September to recognize the labor movement.
Ok, enough of the history lesson. Let me first put a disclaimer that I love working. Mainly because I love to live in a house, I like food and I adore shopping! I am not upset that I work or that there are still jobs left for people who are willing to work. My confusion lies in the MODERN meaning of the holiday.
Here’s my current work background: I’m a bar manager/bartender. Labor Day holiday? You know what I’m going to be doing on Monday? I’ll be getting everyone who has off drunk (figuratively – back off LCB), those lucky stiffs! Silver lining for me though… BANK! Show me the money! It’ll be even better if it rains because all their BBQs will be cancelled. I’m evil, but I need to make a living too!
Not only will I be working, but other restaurants, bars, stores, gas stations, malls, grocery stores, construction crews and countless other people are working too. Just a small piece of advice: if you head out on Labor Day Monday and encounter someone on the clock, just thank them. You are lucky enough to have a job that allows you time off on ridiculous holidays. Even if you throw a smile their way – that would be nice. I’m not bitter or jealous about working on this holiday – it’s just not that important.
Why celebrate a holiday about something that most people dread going to? You know what I’m talking about. Most people hate Mondays because it’s back to the grind. Now all of a sudden you have off to celebrate your work place. But let’s be honest, that’s not what you’re celebrating. You just got an extra day of drinking and Monday is your recuperation day.
What is the point of observing the labor movement? People now-a-days aren’t even working because it really doesn’t pay to work anymore. If you are a true, honest, hard worker, you put in 40+ hours a week just to have the government take about 40% of our pay toward taxes. Do you know where your taxes go? Roads, schools, federal, state, sure… but do you REALLY know where your money goes? Not only that, but where I live we have to pay our town/city a work tax. You read that right – “Good for you, you are working in our town. We’ll take 1%, thank you very much!” What is the honor or celebration in that?
If they really want to honor us laborers: give us our money back! I can see taking taxes, but 40%? I’ll be comfortable with 20%. That will boost the economy; however that’s a whole other rant.
Ok, back on track: Labor Day, in essence, is just another holiday that has lost its meaning and value like so many other holidays.
So enjoy your Summer’s End whether or not you have off. But more power and thanks to the true laborers who are working on such a precious holiday!
Enlighten, Encourage & Embrace your Journey Called Life.
Encourage more content!
Like, Follow, Share, Comment, and Subscribe
Citation:
Rayman, N. (2014, August 29). Here’s Why We Celebrate Labor Day. Retrieved from http://time.com/3222093/labor-day-school-white-history-monday-september/
Pingback: Ode To Fall Poem - Journey Called Life