What does Labor Day mean anyway?

Today, many Americans are observing Labor Day, a federal holiday. Despite its title, however, most Americans spend the day watching television, barbequeing, and complying with fashion ultimatums rather than thinking about the plight of workers.

Although the holiday has racist roots -the original Labor Day parade of 1882 was organized by the Knights of Labor and connected to the Ku Klux Klan- it was nonetheless created to address the considerable issues facing the workers of the day. Unfortunately, American Labor Day has been transformed into a fairly innocuous observation. Unlike May Day, which honors labor and economic movements around the globe, the American version of Labor day is largely apolitical.

It is critical, however, that we use this day not only to relax, but also to recognize the importance of domestic and global labor struggles. The decline of union membership, the lack of living wages, rising unemployment, outsourcing of jobs, and the expansion of sweatshops are just a few of the issues that undermine the prosperity of everyday people around the world.

Although we cannot resolve these issues in one day, we must make a commitment to thinking, organizing, and challenging the economic status quo. Let us use this day to join labor unions, activists groups, and other organizations that are committed to economic justice for all citizens.

In Solidarity

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