Hi friends. I am not doing a full post today, but I wanted to write something. I felt drawn to the notion that I am off for Labor Day. I recognize that there are indeed laborers who work on said holiday, which further piqued my interest and desire to explore the nature of the day. This is going to be a quick one, but I hope it’s meaningful.
What is Labor Day and why did it start (and when)?
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882. Following the deaths of 13 workers during the Pullman Strike in June of 1894, President Grover Cleveland made reconciliation with the labor movement a top political priority, and Labor Day become a federal holiday in 1894.
What was the Pullman strike and what was the cause?
Among the reasons for the strike were the absence of democracy within the town of Pullman and its politics, the rigid paternalistic control of the workers by the company, excessive water and gas rates, and a refusal by the company to allow workers to buy and own houses. They had not yet formed a union.
What have we learned since the introduction of Labor Day?
Nothing. Well, some things, but also, nothing. I believe that in the United States, we have lost the general sense of what it means to be a worker. A laborer. There are folks who are grossly underpaid for the work they do, there are folks who are paid adequately but worked relentlessly and unhealthily, there are folks who work under unsafe conditions, and there are folks who can’t seem to keep a job because we don’t spend much in the way of resources on the issue of employment. There are folks who are working…on Labor Day. Many. Many.
These descriptions only represent a fraction of the situations that workers face here in this country.
What is my point?
If you are an employer or a manager, please understand that the general rule is that when you appreciate and adequately treat and compensate your workers, they will likely respond with loyalty and hard work. Like everything else in life, there are exceptions, but why focus your energy there? Poor treatment does not motivate people to bust ass for you. It generates stress, chaos, and a lack of motivation. There will still be workers who will work their asses off for you if you treat them like garbage. This is not a tribute to your shitty management. This is a testament to their superior character and work ethic. For those who cannot muster the energy to care the most whilst being treated like trash, you are not less than.
I told you this was going to be a quickie. I’m going to wrap up now. I’ll just leave you with a plea. Remember why Labor Day came about. Don’t just celebrate the suits and power mongers. Pay attention to everyone who works their butt off to make things run. Wait staff, construction workers, retail employees, landscapers, babysitters, teachers, hair stylists, etc. This world is made up of so many different kinds of laborers.
Be grateful. Do better.
xo
L.
thepathtoworthy.com 