Labor Day in review

Nearly 130 years ago – on September 5, 1882 – thousands of American workers paraded down the main street of New York City in an effort to convince the American public that labor – – and it’s unions – were here to stay.

Their main struggle was for an eight-hour day, a good wage and decent working conditions.   It was the first Labor Day.

What followed was a struggle between owners of companies – – backed by the state and federal government – – against the workers and their unions.  A brutal, vicious struggle ensued that killed thousands and left this country bitterly divided.

It wasn’t until World War II and the great demand for American labor, that unions were able to make significant inroads and receive government support and blessing.

For decades following the war, labor saw its struggle for better working conditions, shorter work weeks and a living wage – – bear fruit.   By the early 1970’s all of these accomplishments had become so commonplace that the need for a union became secondary.

Unions began to see a decline in membership – – accentuated as American corporations began to manufacture and produce items in Mexico, and other countries with lower costs.  Blue collar unions were in a freefall and the union movement was written of as old, out-of-date and unnecessary.

But, as all good organizers do, they took a look around to find new markets and they found a new source of union members in public employees, teachers and government workers.

Today those categories make up more than half of all union membership.

And, the labor unions have found a new source of power – – politics.

Where once government was the enemy of the working man – – government is know the friend of the public employee.  The blue collar working stiff has been forgotten.

Millions of dollars of union dues now go into election campaigns for the purpose of electing Democrats to office, who will bow to union demands, for more money and more government union jobs.

The Democratic Party is the party of government.

The union movement has succeeded.  It’s demands for more wages, shorter working hours and increased benefits has made it one of the strongest forces in our country today.

Labor Day celebrates the fact that labor has succeeded beyond its wildest dreams.

Now, when unions strike, like the teachers in Seattle – – who are they striking against?

It’s the taxpayer stupid.  You’re the one that pays for union demands – now.