Friday's Food for Thought: What is Labor Day Really All About?

Welcome once again to the Friday’s Food for Thought post on our Reach The Public blog. As many of our readers know, we like to examine a topic or theme in a way that hopefully inspires, confounds, excites and even enlightens. For today’s Friday’s Food for Thought post, we are taking a critical look at the Labor Day holiday to examine what it is really all about. So here's a brief history, a few interesting tid-bits and a funny video for you to enjoy.  Happy Labor Day!

The True Meaning of Labor Day
Many of us know Labor Day as the last holiday weekend of the summer season. We often mark it with backyard BBQs and preparation for the first days of school. So, what is it really all about? Well, again, thanks to our friends at Wikipedia, I can tell you that the holiday originated in Canada out of labor disputes ("Nine-Hour Movement") first in Hamilton, then in Toronto in the 1870s, which resulted in a Trade Union Act which legalized and protected union activity in 1872 in Canada. The first Labor Day in the United States was celebrated on September 5th, 1882 in New York City. In the aftermath of the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the US military and USMarshals during the 1894 Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland put reconciliation with Labor as a top political priority.

The 30 Best Careers for 2009
While 2009 has certainly been a tumultuous career for the economy; there are certainly plenty of great career opportunities out there. And, we consulted with the folks at U.S. News & World Report’s annual listing of the 30 best careers for 2009. And guess what career made the list? That’s right: Government Manager. So take that, Amy Poehler!

 

And That’s Really Good, Because Uncle Same Needs 270,000 New Recruits
This just in – the federal government is heading for an employment crisis. A new study conducted by the Partnership for Public Service forecasts that the federal government will soon be dangerously understaffed. This is due partly to the big problems the current administration is tackling, and the massive wave of federal retirements right around the corner. Government needs to streamline its hiring procedures and make sure it’s competing for the top talent it needs. Here’s the take from the Washington Post.

 

These Guys Really Need a Holiday!

To send you off into a Labor Day weekend, here’s a trailer from the classic movie “Office Space.” Hey, you got to be doing better than these guys, right? Enjoy!