American Labor Day

What sort of holiday are these holidays anyway? Who are they for? In my humble experience, it's just another day for shopping. Oh ya, the government employees, the school teachers and kids and maybe other folks here and there get a day off but for most of the other "peasants" it's just another day for shopping. The value of these holidays is long dead unless you are the elite and maybe have a fancy cottage and boat to where you can escape.

These holidays had some meaning but today where folks are "demanding" 24 hours of shopping/day, I see that the value of these "festivals" is a bit of a joke.
 
Aunt Bea said:
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Interesting painting. There are two families running towards the unused table — one from the top and one from the left — that look like they're about to get into a fight over who gets to have their picnic on it. Hopefully, they're not armed. There could be trouble.

Then there is a cannon pointing towards the water with two stacks of cannon balls at the ready. This park could be the site of Revolutionary War battles... perhaps on the Hudson River.

From the looks of the cars, this looks like the late '40s or early '50s
 
Packerjohn said:
What sort of holiday are these holidays anyway? Who are they for?
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In the US and Canada (Labour Day) its supposed to be in recognition of the labor movement and laborers contributions. Our holidays occur on the first Monday in September, more countries observe a similar holiday in May, May Day. In the US it is a federal holiday so federal offices are closed and federal government employees get the day off, most state and local government and many private employees also get the holiday.

I am not sure how important it is to honor the labor movement this way, but I do think time off and holidays are important. I think workers are more productive and happier with some holidays.
 
Rah Rah It's Labor Day weekend! I think it is over rated with all those who are out of work. It is just an excuse for more consumerism of our favorite things. What about all those with no jobs, or working 2 or 3 part time low paying jobs to feed their families? They are everywhere. Maybe if you have the means invite some poor people to a BBQ or whatever.?

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I put the flag out for Labor Day. It's one of my favorite holidays. Also dust off my aging union buttons for a one-day display. Once upon a time Labor Day was a celebration of and for organized labor. A force pivotal in making the middle class the success it once was. To wit-a bumper sticker down the street from me: "From the people that brought you the weekend-Labor Unions"

My personal ten-year+ involvement in the 70s and 80s was as a factory working member of Allied Industrial Workers (AIW). Their labor contract was with Fruehauf Corporation, Omaha, Nebraska. At the time, Nebraska was a right-to-work state. Meaning one did not have to join the labor union in order to work at the plant. I didn't hesitate to join. AIW continued maintaining my membership and seniority even during Army Reserve deployments. Collect a small stipend as a result of that membership. Helps in supplementing Social Security.

As union workers, we got a lot. And we gave up a lot. Back in the days when give-and-take bargaining got things done. Hence, the well-earned and deserved national recognition. Hope all enjoy the weekend and the day. Arnold
 
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