Labor Day Thoughts

     This weekend is the Labor Day weekend that is dedicated to celebrating the American worker and I thought I would say a few words.
     Labor unions have been given  a lot of attention recently and some misconceptions are floating around in their characterization, purpose and history.  First, labor unions were begun to improve the plight of workers and their working conditions.  In fact it was the "sit in" that the children of the 1960s used it for protest can trace that action to our labor unions.  In factories all across America workers would stop work and sit down to force companies to give in to demands.  In those early 1920s in the beginning of unions, most unions were considered communist and un-American.  Now, many unions such as the Auto Workers unions, Teamsters, Hotel and Food service workers are the blue collar workers emanating from the heartland.  Considered to be the conservative part of our political spectrum, while teachers, air traffic controllers and nurses unions are thought of as socialist and left of center.
     As a musician and teacher I have been a member of a multiple unions and as many as 3 at the same time.  Let me outline why and how I think it works.
     Business is out to make a profit whether it is a widget or a service.  Making car parts or delivering information.  Because of that need to maximise profits few businesses will invest in its workers seeing no connection to happy employees=better productivity(Ben and Jerry's not withstanding for example).  So, in order to make sure more people have basic necessities as humans in the work force, groups of employees banded together to help their plight, requesting the employer provide security in old age, medical benefits and time to rest to come back to work fresher than before.  For example, when I started working, our school district had no optical care, maternity plans, dental care and only if I ended up in a hospital did my employer contribute to my situation.  I got 10 days of sick leave and was forcibly unemployed for 10 weeks when the Summer months arrived.  It was only through the unions that had begun in my field that I now have a decent retirement plan, dental plans, optical plans and a choice of medical plans. The promise from my employer is that "If I work for them, I will not only enjoy my working conditions, but stay for the benefits that are provided and not go somewhere else to greener pastures."  many companies in private industry have followed suit and I applaud them.  For making workers happy. by all the researchshows that it improves productivity and company loyalty.
     So, the next time someone bashes a union, ask them. Do they have medical care, is the company using child labor, is there workplace safe to work in, does their employer care about them or are they treated just like the machinery that makes the products?  All the American worker wants is a secure job. in a safe environment, with a company that treats them humanely. Unions help make sure that situation occurs.  So, on Labor Day we need to acknowledge the American worker(me and you) and the groups of us who banded together to make a better life for our families and our brethren.  Enjoy the day.