Labor Day

[CalStateTempe]

I hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day,

When you can, please take a moment and give thanks to the men and women who get up and go to their jobs everyday. No one should have to suffer, be injured, or die for their work. Everything we consume, purchase, and use has been sourced, engineered, manufactured, etc by our hard working friends, neighbors, and members of our country, no matter how near or far to us they live. Also, remember those in Law Enforcement, Fire Protection, and municipal services (waste management, utilities), commercial trucking, railroads, mining, oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, and manufacturing. Every job can be a source of pride for individuals hoping to improve their lives or those of their families.

Give thanks for FMLA, ADA, Fair Wage Act, OHSA, NIOSH, and the champions of Labor such as Ted Kennedy. You benefit no matter where on the political spectrum you may lie. Unfortunately, legislation is written in blood and virtually every industry have been touched by tragedy. Sadly, the lessons of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, Bophal India, and Three Mile Island can still happen today, in an era of income inequality and politicians who seek to remove workplace protections for unfettered growth and productivity.

There is still much work to do to ensure workplace protection and fair livable wages, but amongst BBQing and spending the day with family and friends, remember those that have given their time, sweat, and blood toward creating our nation's products and services.

[ASUHATER!]

24% of Americans still have no paid sick, holiday, vacation or maternity days. On days like today they are out a day of work if their job is closed or have to work when everyone else is spending the day with their families.