 |
 |
|
|
 |
Labor Day: The Workingman’s Holiday By: Brenda Tso* 19th Century New York City: it was the time of unlimited cheap labor, terrible working conditions, and rock bottom wages. Job security was nonexistent and thousands waited for the opportunity to replace anyone who questioned the situation. But as the number of discontent laborers grew, Rudyard Kipling’s “Law of the Jungle” began to take hold: “Now this is the Law of the Jungle — Tired of lousy working conditions, laborers began to build strength in numbers. Unions were organized and strikes were held. The first Labor Day was held on September 5, 1882 in New York City. Thousands of workers marched in a parade, fighting for “eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, and eight hours for recreation”. The rest of the day was spent on picnics and celebration: absolutely no work was done. By 1894, Labor Day was declared a federal holiday dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is celebrated each year on the first Monday of September. As the U.S. Department of Labor aptly states, “The vital force of labor has…brought as closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership—the American worker.” Today, we enjoy the laws and protections those laborers fought for. Labor Day is about Average Joe: the garbage truck driver, the farmer, the construction worker, and everybody. All of the workers in the US, including American citizens, permanent residents, and non-immigrant workers, should be honored on this day. It is a day in thanks for each and every worker—regardless of how big or small or unpopular his job is—because he is part of our nation. For all the people in the United States, and the people who wish to join us, Labor Day represents the changes that can be brought forth through teamwork. This September 1st , Zhang & Associates would like to wish our current and potential clients a great day of rest. In the United States, changes and dreams can come true through teamwork. We invite you to work with us, as a team, on fulfilling your American dream. * Brenda Tso is a legal researcher at Zhang & Associates. She constantly does research and writes special reports about hot issues in the immigration field. (08/30/2008) For more immigration news, please click here |
|
"The best way to |
| New York | Houston | Chicago | Austin | Los Angeles | |||
