Originally at https://www.berkshireeagle.com
New York City led the way. On Sept. 5, 1882, some 10,000 workers marched to show that trade and labor unions were strong and must be dealt with. They were supposed to be at work, but instead they walked to protest long hours, low pay, child labor and working conditions that were grim at best.
They also had fun. The union leaders did their speeches, but the event included picnics, fireworks and entertainment, and ever since Labor Day became a national holiday, it has meant end of summer get-togethers, last weekends at the beach, concerts and barbecues. The day is less about the American worker and more about celebrating the end of summer, the start of school and football, just as the meaning of Memorial Day is a bit lost in today’s festivities.
Labor Day was signed into law as a holiday for federal workers in 1894 by President Grover Cleveland, who reportedly chose the fall day over a proposed May 1 holiday because he wanted to avoid association with the socialist and communist leaders who were advocating globally for that date. It is observed by all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. territories and applies to all workers.
It’s a day to take a moment to remember that the 40-hour week, which is being reduced now in many places, did not exist in the 19th century. Nor did the eight-hour day. Nor did rules against child labor. Nor was attention paid to safety in the workplace.
In this presidential election year, the American worker — and the phrase “help working families” — has been targeted by all sides. But the reality is that behind Donald Trump’s talk is a 900-page document called Project 2025, developed by the conservative Heritage Foundation with plans that would dilute employees’ rights and increase corporate power over workers.
We hear a lot about Project 2025. Zeroing in on the part related to Labor Day, Project 2025 would reduce the power of the National Labor Relations Board, an entity that oversees union elections, protects workers’ right to organize and defends workers against being fired for participating in efforts to organize workers. The NLRB is an independent federal agency, its purpose being the protection of the rights of private sector employees, including their right to organize and form unions. The NLRB also prevents and remedies unfair labor practices by employers and unions.
Simply put, Project 2025 is anti-union, among other antis. Nevada Current, a liberal nonprofit that comments on government policy, reports that Project 2025 would “erode if not eliminate collective bargaining rights.”
“Everyone should be concerned about Project 2025’s extremist agenda. It’s the blueprint for a second Donald Trump presidency, and it would be an absolute disaster,” Michelle Maese, president of SEIU 1107, told Nevada Current. “Their goal isn’t to fix our government or our country. It’s to break it even more.”
Some of Project 2025’s other provisions: rescind regulations prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in federal agencies; reduce benefits such as unemployment and food stamps by increasing means testing; allow teens who have parental approval to be trained on dangerous machinery.
Former President Trump has commented that he has nothing to do with Project 2025, but the group that put it together contains many people with strong ties to him. CNN took a look and found “nearly 240 people with ties to both Project 2025 and to Trump, covering nearly every aspect of his time in politics and the White House — from day-to-day foot soldiers in Washington to the highest levels of his government. The number is likely higher because many individuals’ online resumes were not available.”
Aesop, the legendary Greek storyteller in 500 B.C.E., didn’t write anything down but has been quoted for centuries as saying, “A man is known by the company he keeps.” (Goes for women, too.) Many participants in the manifesto called Project 2025 would be in the former president’s company if he moved back to the White House.
Nine hundred pages is a lot. But if Project 2025 is what the far right is thinking for the nation, it’s worth hearing what trusted commentators think about its contents. “Working families” have a lot at stake if Project 2025 becomes reality. Something definitely worth considering in the aftermath of celebrating Labor Day.
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