Labor Day holds a special significance for labor workers. It is a day to celebrate the sacrifices and achievements of our forefathers in the labor movement in the United States. Labor Day was first recognized as a federal holiday in 1894, after years of struggle by labor unions to secure better working conditions and fair wages for workers.
Labor Day represents the hard work and dedication of millions of workers who have fought for better working conditions, fair wages and job security. It is a day to recognize the sacrifices made by generations of workers who have fought for the rights that we enjoy today. Without the labor movement, we would not have basic protections such as the eight-hour workday, minimum wage laws, workplace safety regulations and child labor laws.
As the President of the Utah AFL-CIO, I am proud to be part of a movement that has made significant contributions to the well-being of workers and their families. Unions have helped to increase wages, improve benefits and provide job security for workers. They have also been instrumental in advocating for policies that benefit all workers, such as paid family leave, affordable healthcare and retirement security.
This past week I had the opportunity to sit down and enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner with 15 of my union labor leaders while attending a meeting out of town. I asked each of them, “What does Labor Day mean to you?” These were their responses:
“Recognizing the hard work and sacrifices of our forefathers in getting the rights and protections that we all enjoy today.”
“Being able to spend time with our families celebrating Labor Day because of the battles our predecessors fought for.”
“Being able to take care of our families because of the living wages that our unions negotiated for its members.”
“Used to be a vacation day for me but, now that I am in leadership, it has become a day of serving my members as we celebrate our union history together.”
“Feeling grateful for the gifts of a secure job because of my ancestors fighting for safety standards and fair wages.”
“Solidarity.”
“Better lifestyle because of my union.”
Labor Day is also a reminder of the ongoing challenges that workers face in today’s economy. Despite the progress that has been made, many workers still struggle to make ends meet and face barriers to organizing and collective bargaining. As a Union Labor Leader, I am committed to continuing the fight for better working conditions, fair wages and economic justice for all workers.
Labor Day is a day to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the labor movement in the United States. It holds a special significance for me, representing the hard work and dedication of generations of workers who have fought for the rights that we enjoy today. It is also a reminder of the ongoing challenges that workers face and the need to continue the fight for economic justice and fair treatment for all workers.
Jeff Worthington
Jeff Worthington is president of the Utah AFL-CIO. Jeff worked for Union Pacific Railroad as a locomotive engineer for 39 years and spent his career representing locomotive engineers as a legislative representative and then as the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Utah State Legislative Board Chairman.