AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT JOHN T. NICCOLLAI - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021

HAPPY LABOR DAY!!

As we approach Labor Day this year, we must always remember that it’s not just a day off from work filled with family and friends.

The first Labor Day Celebration was organized in New York City in 1882 to honor Union Members and their Unions for what they did for working people everywhere.  Over time, the holiday spread to all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories. 

Most working people don’t realize that almost all of the benefits and emoluments enjoyed by those who toil for a living today came into being because of Labor Unions.  Even those who work in non-Union businesses benefit immensely from what Unions achieved on behalf of workers.

Government, apart from safety programs and some sick time, is only responsible for two major guarantees.  One is the payment of a minimum wage;  and the second is overtime after 40 hours.

Unions are responsible for the following accomplishments:

 1.       Paid Vacation                                                     

 2.       Paid Employer Health Care                                 

 3.       Paid Employer Pension Plans                              

 4.       A Living Wage                                                    

 5.       Overtime after Eight Hours                                 

 6.       Paid Sick Days                                                    

 7.       Numerous Paid Holidays                                     

 8.       Paid Funeral Leave                                              

 9.       Paid Jury Duty                                                     

10.      Sunday and Holiday Premium Pay 

11.      Paid Rest Periods

12.      Paid Personal Days

13.      No Split Shifts

14.      No Staggered Hours

15.      Free College Educations

16.      Equal Pay for Equal Work

17.      A Voice for Workers at the Job Site

18.      An End to Child Labor

19.      Job Security

20.     A Negotiated Contract which Provides Rights and Working Conditions                                                                                                         

So, as we celebrate on this Labor Day, we should all be thankful for what the Labor Movement has delivered to us and our families.