Most Americans regard Labor Day simply as a three-day weekend - a time for beaches and barbecues. In addition to closing out the summer with friends and family, they should also be thanking organized labor for improving working conditions, giving workers a voice on the job and fighting for social and economic justice. Labor unions have had a hard time lately with internal rifts, declining membership, and legislative attacks, but what happens to the pursuit of the American dream without the labor movement? We were taught that the harder you work, the more economic opportunities you got. Sike! Today an increasingly smaller percentage of people are benefiting from America's economic growth. Declining wages and the 47 million Americans in need of health care coverage are clear signs that we need unions now, more than ever. They are the last line of defense for working families. Labor unions still need to adapt to the 21st century workforce, but as I enjoy the brisket, sausages and potato salad today, I will also raise my glass to thank unions for giving us a holiday to end the summer; the weekend; sick time; overtime pay; pensions; vacation time; lunch breaks; and the eight-hour work day. You should do the same - considering that all workers benefited from the contributions of labor unions. As a former democratic campaign staffer, I also have to thank labor unions for letting me use their facilities for meetings, delivering countless volunteers when my campaigns were in need of bodies, and most importantly for contributing the dolla, dolla bills y'all.
