The Evolution Of Labor Day (Info-Graphic)

http://nhlabornews.com/2015/09/the-evolution-of-labor-day-info-graphic/

By Matt Murray | September 3, 2015 | Featured, Labor

As we approach Labor Day it is important to stop and take a look back at how far we have come as organized labor. 180 years ago adults and children were working 12-hour days, 7 days a week, and they still “owed their soul to the company store.”

Throughout the last 200 years organized labor has moved America forward, fighting for all workers. During the early years, labor unions were focused on three main items: the number of hours per day/week, hourly wages, and workplace safety. Years have gone by, yet we are still fighting the same battles over hours, wages, and workplace safety.

Some people say that labor is dead, or dying. I say we need unions now more than ever. Working families are struggling as corporations and industry fat cats’ reap all the rewards of our hard work. The rise in income inequality and the suppression of wages looks eerily similar to the years that led up to the Great Depression.

Workers have lost their voice, they have lost their power. We are living in an age where employers no longer care about their employees, treating them as completely disposable. They only care about how much their decisions will effect their stock prices.

FULL info at link.



About Matt Murray
Matt Murray is the creator and an author on the NH Labor News. He is a union member and advocate for labor and progressive politics. He also works with other unions and members to help spread our message. Follow him on Twitter @NHLabor_News