What Is Labor Day?

Photo credit: Khanh Nguyen

As we celebrate another Labor Day, most people I ask don't know the real meaning behind it. 

Rather than being a day for cookouts, a day off from work, or a day for retail giants to wheedle money out of us with blowout sales, it should be seen as a day to celebrate laborers. 

Laborers. Workers. Employees. Helpers. Working Stiffs. Hirelings. Drudges. Peons. Wage Earners. Staffers. Us.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, this is the purpose of Labor Day:  

"Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being."

All workers are included in this celebration, including minimum wage workers who seem to get badmouthed, belittled, and disregarded by the elitists of society, with elitist being anyone fortunate enough to make more than $7.25 an hour.

Rather than shit-talking people who make minimum wage, we should all take a closer look and ask some questions. 

What Is a Federal Minimum Wage? 

It is the lowest amount employers can legally pay their employees for work they perform. 

Why do we have Federal Minimum Wage Laws?

To stop the exploitation of low wage workers. To secure fair compensation for people's labors. And to cover basic living expenses and the necessities required to live a decent life. 

When were Federal Minimum Wage Laws Enacted in America? 

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 created a mandatory minimum wage of 0.25 cents per hour in the United States. 

What is the current Federal Minimum Wage in America? 

The current minimum wage in America is $7.25 per hour. That calculates to $290 (before taxes or health insurance costs) for anyone who earns minimum wage and works 40 hours a week, which is considered full-time in America.

When was the last time the Federal Minimum Wage was raised in America?

It was last raised in 2009. President Biden attempted to raise the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour while he was in office. But, it was blocked by his political opponents. 

Why do people stay in Minimum Wage jobs? 

They love their job and want to stay. They are not qualified for higher paying jobs. They do not want the responsibility or added hours of a higher paying job. They love their coworkers. They love the company where they work. They can't find a better paying job. Because an estimated 30% of jobs in America are low-paying jobs. There are no other jobs. They suffer from anxiety and fear of starting a new job. They have no transportation to a job that is better paying, but further away from home. They have no babysitter and their current job offers daycare. They are disabled and have limited options for work. They are mentally ill and a job change would be overwhelming for them. They do not have higher skills to move to another position. Making a change for a few dollars more per hour would not significantly change their lives. They care for a sick loved one at home and have little time or energy for higher earning jobs. The reasons are endless.

Perhaps it is time for all of us to stop judging others. Stop mimicking elite news outlets who label minimum wage workers as stupid or lazy or say they lack motivation and it's their own fault they earn so little. 

And perhaps people who are earning $15 or $18 or $20 dollars per hour, should take a close look at their own situation and realize that most of them need a partner (spouse, roommate, friend, family) to share expenses with them to survive and live a decent life in America. To buy a house, to own a car, to take a yearly vacation takes more than one salary in a household for most of us. 

Remember, the Minimum Wage is supposed to cover basic living expenses and the necessities required to live a decent life. 

It doesn't. 

So, for Labor Day, perhaps we should try to be less judgemental and more accepting of all workers, not just high-income earners. 

Happy Labor Day and Peace Out to all my fellow wage earners.

 

Sources: 

https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets-economy/090516/what-are-pros-and-cons-raising-minimum-wage.asp

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_wage

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_Labor_Standards_Act_of_1938

https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/faq/esa/flsa/001.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_wage_in_the_United_States