Today is Labor Day and the retail stores are busy advertising their sales so that you will visit and spend your hard-earned money with them. Because so many people have the day off from work, this day has become second in the biggest retail sale days of the year. (Black Friday is first). Sure, there will be some great end-of-season clearance opportunities, and some decent fall sales, but is this really the way we should choose to spend this holiday, shopping at big box stores?
Labor Day is a day that we salute the contributions American workers have made to the strength of our county. We have recognized this day as a country since 1894. Originally it was celebrated with a street parade and a festival and there are still some communities that celebrate it with picnics and small town parades.
In the 1950’s a larger percentage of the workforce belonged to labor unions, about 40%. Of course this was a time when more things were manufactured, or made by hand in our own country. Union membership is now significantly lower, about 11% of the population choosing to participate in a Union. This is largely due to globalization, technology, and many large corporations opposing the unionization of their businesses. Now most of us just think of Labor Day as the end of the summer, another day to go shopping.
No matter how you choose to spend your holiday, it is a great day to remember the hard-fought battles that brought us the five-day workweek, vacations, and health care that many people enjoy now. Let’s don’t forget that wages for workers have stagnated and employment has become precarious over the last few decades. Our country is seeing a shrinking middle class and this is something important to remember. Recently there have been battles by fast food employees fighting for a better wage, so the workers’ fight continues. http://billmoyers.com/2013/08/30/the-other-nra/
Today, it’s probably no surprise to you that I will spend my day designing and making jewelry. This is something that I love to do and I don’t view it as work. I don’t shop in stores on holidays because I prefer that people will be able to count on having this day off, and instead spend the time with their families.
If you spend the day shopping I would like to encourage you to think about supporting small business, as they are the backbone of our economy in this country. I would also encourage you to buy items that are made in the U.S.A., this will help job growth here at a time our country really needs it. When you are in the checkout line, ask yourself if the employee servicing you is enjoying the benefits and a decent living wage for their dedicated service.
If you can’t resist shopping, visit www.QuirkyGirlz.com, there you can support a small business where the jewelry is made by hand in the U.S.A. I always appreciate your business!
I would love to hear what you think about this holiday, I look forward to your comments.
Until next time,
QuirkyGirl
Celebrate small business, and made in the U.S.A. this Labor Day.