Stephen H Baum Leadership

Labor Day, for many people, is simply a day off that signals the end of summer. But it is far more than that. Or should be.

The holiday originated in 1882 as the Central Labor Union (of New York City) sought to create “a day off for the working citizens”. Congress made Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894.[1] All fifty states have made Labor Day a state holiday. For many years, it was a time for working stiffs to celebrate the gains that unions had won: concessions for better working conditions as well as time off. 

Today, Labor Day is often regarded simply as a day of rest without political and social overtones.  Though the speed of lives in urban areas soars after Labor Day, its significance as the separation between the dog-days of summer and the pulse-quickening resumption of high-speed living is diminished for students and parents by school semesters starting in August; for money managers with blackberry practically operating as a human implant: for millions of households affected by the financial crisis, the poor economy and job insecurities; and for millions of immigrants unsure of their status and their futures. 

I have two comments about Labor Day. 

The first is that this is a good time for gratitude exercises. This country has been good to many of us. Many have made sacrifices for us.Many still do. There are people and many things, big and small for which we should be thankful. 

The second is that this is a good time to re-commit to making the families, organizations and communities we touch the better for our being with them; a good time to raise up our efforts to set an example of doing the right thing, acting with good purpose.