Message from Joan Deem, Public Outreach Chair
The Topic is Labor Day. The first Monday in September is more than just a day off from work, the beginning of the football season, or the unofficial end of summer. For the American worker it is the day that we celebrate labor’s accomplishments and recognize the many positive contributions that we have made to our communities and to our country.
Labor Day became an official national holiday in 1894 after 30 union workers were massacred during the Pullman strike. On this day, we salute those men and women who fought for and stood up for our rights as working people. We remember those who gave their lives for the benefits we can enjoy; the weekend, a 40 hour work week, an end to child labor and the creation of public education and the right to organize.
As you barbecue and spend time with your families, please remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and celebrate those who continue to stand up for these rights today. No matter what you may do for a living, on Labor Day wear your union colors proudly and hold your heads up high. As working people who care about the communities in which you live and work – you keep the memories of those who sacrificed alive.
Happy Labor Day from your Long Island Teachers!
