Category: Labor Day

U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for September 1

U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for September 1

U.S. Census Bureau Logo. (PRNewsFoto/U.S. Census Bureau)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Following is the daily “Profile America” feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

LABOR DAY

Profile America — Monday, September 1st.  This is Labor Day — a time to honor the nation’s working men and women, and traditionally, the end of the summer season.  The observance has added meaning this year because of the persistently cloudy employment picture.  The first Labor Day was celebrated in September 1882 in New York City.  By 1894, more than half the states were observing the occasion, and noting the first Monday in September as a national holiday became federal law in 1894.  In the U.S., nearly 156 million men and women over the age of 16 are in the labor force, with retail sales being the largest occupational component.  Around 16 million Americans belong to a union, while more than 6 million–or 4.4 percent work–from their homes.  You can find more facts about America’s people, places and economy, from the American Community Survey, at www.census.gov.

Sources:  http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb14-ff18.html

Brazile: What have unions done for us?

 

Brazile: What have unions done for us?

Author: By Donna Brazile CNN Contributor
Published On: Sep 04 2012 06:58:48 AM CDT

 

 (CNN) –

What have unions done for us lately? Other than give us Labor Day, and a three-day weekend to start football season.

The answers may surprise you.

Unions have long been part of our nation’s history, fighting for better pay, safer working conditions, health care and retirement benefits, education and civic participation. Unions have brought diverse voices together, and their struggles have elevated the working conditions, the standard of living and the recognition of not just their members, but of all who labor.

Unions played a major role in ending the sweatshops and child labor so common at the beginning of the 20th century. The International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union, or ILGWU, was one of the first unions to have a primarily female membership. And in the aftermath of the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911, in which more than 100 mostly young immigrant women were killed, the ILGWU was at the forefront of reforming working conditions and pushing for comprehensive safety and workers’ compensation laws. Continue reading “Brazile: What have unions done for us?”

Chicago Federation of Labor – Watch This Video!

Chicago Federation of Labor – Watch This Video

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This Labor Day, working men and women are doing more than enjoying the unofficial end of summer with our family and friends. We remember the true meaning of this national holiday, honoring the strength and spirit of the labor movement and working people.

The last decade has been a difficult one for America’s middle class. But we aren’t giving up. Today, we are launching a video that recognizes the role working men and women play in our communities–from the things they do at work to the things they do in our neighborhoods.

You can watch the video here. Continue reading “Chicago Federation of Labor – Watch This Video!”

AFL-CIO: All Labor Has Dignity

Share Thanks for Labor Day

Before you hit your Labor Day parade or cookout, I wanted to recognize the work you do every day to make this country great—and take the chance to say “thank you.”

It’s America’s workers who built this country, make it run and keep it going.

Take a moment to celebrate Labor Day—watch my video “thank you” and share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and through email. 

There has been a lot of talk lately about the future of our country and who should get credit for building America. Frankly, I believe we all deserve credit. Everyone’s work is critical to keeping our country moving. We depend on each other and we should recognize the dignity of all work. Continue reading “AFL-CIO: All Labor Has Dignity”

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