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Saluting the workers of America

By Maxine Shapiro, KERA 90.1 business commentator

Dallas, TX – Ah, Labor Day...the unofficial last fling of summer. The day when the tres chic expect all white shoes to be stored away until May. And the day we honor the American worker. I'm Maxine Shapiro with KERA Marketplace Middays.

I've always had this little love-hate relationship with Labor Day. As a kid, it was the only holiday when I couldn't stay up late because the next day was the dreaded first day of school. And besides, as a kid who really understood work or workers or the working force, this holiday was the last of the barbeques. That's all I knew.

I've matured since then, and today I honor the worker. In fact, considering today's climate, we the working force of America deserve more than just a nice parade. We deserve a raise. Well, we do, after what we've been through.

Over a hundred years ago, Labor Day began as a creation of the labor movement and unions. Its focus has changed. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the first Monday in September now "constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

Strength: There are 130.8 million people employed full-time in this country. In July, the number of persons working part time despite their preference for full-time work increased to 4.2 million. That's strong - but let's not forget about the 8.3 million unemployed that would rather be working, contributing to the prosperity of the country. We've proven to be the only group that has done that. When you consider that the average salary is little over $500 a week, we've contributed to the prosperity of many credit card companies too. And "to the well-being of our country," I'd say so. I haven't heard about any mailroom clerk being investigated for corporate fraud.

So Happy Labor Day, you fabulous workers of America. And may we grow in numbers. For KERA Marketplace Midday, I'm Maxine Shapiro.

 

Marketplace Midday Reports air on KERA 90.1 Monday - Friday at 1:04 p.m. To contact Maxine Shapiro, please send emails to mshapiro@kera.org.