Labor Day

Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers.  In 1882, Matthew Maguire, a machinist, first proposed the holiday while serving as secretary of the CLU (Central Labor Union) of New York.   

Following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland reconciled with Reyes, leader of the labor movement. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike in 1894.

Labor Unions first started in Europe and were later adopted in the United States.  Their necessity originated because there were very few federal or state labor laws and workers were taken advantage of by big and small companies.  Working conditions were horrible, worker pay was very low, working hours were very long, there were no benefits like vacations and safety and security were never taken into consideration.

My father was just one of the victims of General Electric.  In the forties he was treated even worse than other employees because he was Jewish.  After the war they fired him with no notice or severance.  He was unemployed with no unemployment compensation and two kids and a wife to support.

When I was young, I was a strong believer in the need for Unions.  However, as the years went on, as I became a manager and as the federal and state government created new laws, I changed my mind.

We all know or have seen movies about mob bosses who ran Labor Unions with an iron fist, stole millions and killed hundreds.  However, that wasn't the problem.  The problem was the Unions I was dealing with were more interested in getting more money and benefits for less workers than they were interested in more people getting work.  The membership judged the Union Leaders by how much more money and benefits they were able to get them.

The companies fought back by creating a market for computers and robots that could do the same tasks that people used to do.  This was a good thing in that it created the need for more skilled labor.  What's interesting is very, very few of these high tech employees were or are in a Union.  

The end result is in 2010, the percentage of workers belonging to a union in the United States (or total labor union "density") was 11.4%, compared to 18.6% in Germany, 27.5% in Canada, and 70% in Finland. Union membership in the private sector has fallen under 7% — levels not seen since 1932. 

Now, what the hell does all this have to do with happiness?  A lot if you're unemployed or hurt by this recession.  By creating a situation where a company (big or small) can replace you with a machine makes people feel inferior.  By giving more money and benefits to the few with no regard for the many out of work, makes people feel they are not needed, not important and not worthy.  This creates depression in those who can't find a job or can't support their family.

People want to feel productive to feel good about themselves.  People want to feel they can support themselves and their families.  Most people don't want a handout from the government.  The fact that there are a few who just want to sit home, be unproductive and live off the government is a blemish on the many who want to work and be productive.

By having a few making more money than their job should pay, raises prices and makes America less competitive.  Even Europe is realizing Unions have gone from a necessary organization to a controlling organization.  Some countries need to be bailed out of bankruptcy because Unions won't give up all they have gained to create more jobs and lower costs.  The countries bailing them out are having great financial trouble on their own.

By having a few making more money than their job should pay, raises prices and puts everyday citizens in financial woe.  It's hard to find happiness when they want to take your home away.  It's hard to find happiness when you can't afford the food you want to eat.  It's hard to find happiness when you can't give your kids a good education. It's hard to find happiness when you feel like a loser.

If you're one of the people or families going through unemployment and financial stress I suggest you read all my blogs. You can find happiness even if life is dealing you a bad hand.  Please read and reread my blogs because you do have more control of your happiness than you think.  Remember negative energy begets negative energy - positive energy begets positive energy.

Do I believe Unions are still necessary - NO!  In the last twenty years, name one Union strike or one company employee lockout that has worked for both sides, has created more employment and lowered prices for us all.  The answer is it hasn't happened and it won't happen in the future.

Labor Day has gone from a tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers to a day off from work.  If you're someone who has a job.  If you're someone who can afford to spend money on the things that make you happy then spend Labor Day giving unconditional love to your company.  Do that even if you don't like the way their running the business.  Do that for you - not them.  

The best way to celebrate Labor Day is to appreciate your day off, appreciate the life you have, appreciate your family, appreciate your friends and most of all appreciate yourself.  Never forget:

You Deserve It!!