Labor Day marks the end of the summer while honoring and acknowledging working people. This holiday is famous for cookouts and parades, but the holiday holds special significance to us in the labor movement. It is a day off that has been earned and fought for by the countless labor advocates who have struggled along the way. It is a holiday that working people should hold in the deepest regard because it is a reflection of all of us.
Labor Day is a day of reflection, but reflection alone feels insufficient. In times such as these when it feels like there are constant attacks on workers and working people, the only solution we have is solidarity and active engagement. While asking us to reflect, Labor Day should also demand that we consider what our roles and responsibilities are in making the world into one that we believe it should be, and with this year being a presidential election year, the ballot is one place we can exercise our voice to help shape the world into a better place. In addition to casting a vote for President of the United States, there are critical races lower on the ballot that will have deep and lasting effects on members of the state federation. The vacant United States Senate seat will be decided by the public, and ballot measures in Baltimore city will determine if democracy and fairness will prevail or if Baltimore city is up for sale.
The holiday also signals the return of school and the changing seasons. We will get a reprieve from this summer’s oppressive heat, but we will also have shorter daylight hours to spend outside in nature or gather amongst family and friends. Labor Day is such a pivotal time on the calendar because it signals so many changes. Change can be good and AFT Maryland is approaching the change as a good thing because in change we have opportunity.
We have the opportunity to chart a new way forward for our state and our country through the ballot, to chart a new way forward for our unions and labor movement through involvement and engagement, and to chart a new way forward through our recommitment to one another. There is plenty of work ahead and we will need everyone to help accomplish our goals. There is no need to be discouraged however because many hands make the labor light. That’s the beauty of the labor movement and the reason we celebrate the holiday today – as a reflection on the many hands that labored to get us to this point. We honor those people by continuing their work.
Happy Labor Day!
