Labor Day is the one day in America that the country’s workers are saluted. Many have the day off as government offices, banks and other facilities are closed. The day is a big shopping day with a great number of people working, though.
Paul Ellis-Graham, president of the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation notes it is the unions that brought workers to where they are now.
“It was the labor movement that brought people their 40 hour work weeks, other overtime pay or double pay on a holiday and hopefully that they would remember that and stick together because as long as there are people out there willing to take advantage of working people, people need to stay strong and people need to stick together,” Ellis-Graham said.
Labor Day is meant to “celebrate the values of hard work and achievement that embodies the American worker,” said Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro. “A dedication to public service means many county employees, rather than celebrating Labor Day with family and friends, will be answering 911 and Helpline calls, responding to emergencies and making sure children are safe.”
