Labor Day has been celebrated for over 100 years on the first Monday in September for the purpose of honoring the social and economic achievements of American workers. This tradition grew out of the labor movement. There is some controversy over who actually started this holiday some say Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor was the first to honor workers, but others point to Matthew Maguire, a machinist, who became the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., was the first to propose the holiday. According to records, Peter McGuire wanted to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.” The first labor day was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882. Labor Day was subsequently celebrated the first Monday in September starting in 1884, and the Central Labor Union encouraged the adoption of this holiday in other cities in the nation.

No matter who was the first person to honor the labor of Americans, there is no doubt that the American system was built on the backs of its workers, and it is fitting and proper for them to receive a day of praise. In 2010, Labor Day will leave a nasty taste in the mouths of those who have been affected by massive job layoffs, however. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate among non-farm workers was 9.5% in July. Moreover, according to Black Enterprise magazine, unemployment among Blacks is as high as 16%. Of course, in a faltering economy, the old adage of “last hired and first fired” continues to exist.

What impact does unemployment have in a nation wherein a great number of people find pride in being workers? It can’t be good. Many pundits are of the opinion that the unemployment rate is even higher than is being reported, due to a situation wherein many people have stopped looking for jobs!

A nation is only as good as the way that it treats its citizens, and if this yardstick is used, we might come away with a pretty dismal picture of America. But actually, it goes deeper than this - many people are employed by businesses as opposed to the government, and when businesses fail to make good on their commitment to hire people due to an attempt to cut costs and overhead, or for other reasons, there is not much that a government can do.

The real travesty, however, is that even though big businesses were provided with government “bailout” money by the Obama administration, it still has not significantly had a positive influence on the unemployment rate. It seems that these businesses are reneging on their promises to use the money to help jumpstart the economy, and/or they are thumbing their noses at American workers while reporting profits! This does not bode well for America, and the chickens will eventually come home to roost. Let’s hope that this dismal employment situation turns around soon. In the meantime, for those of you who are luckily employed, please know that you are appreciated! Happy Labor Day!