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September 1, 2003
Happy Labor Day, everyone! In honor of the day, I thought I would post this article that Derek wrote for our MAPJ (Manhattan Alliance for Peace and Justice) newsletter. Consider it a little food for thought. :) And I promise that later in the week I will post an update on Aden and my pregnancy!
The Labor for Labor Day
As we put on our sunscreen for a relaxing Labor Day with our families, I’d like to ask everyone to remember one person: Peter J. McGuire. If you think back to your high school history class, you might remember the paragraph crediting him as the founder of this holiday. The creation of a national Labor Day was only one accomplishment in a lifetime of many for McGuire, and every working American has benefited from his tireless crusade. But it was not enough; there are still labor struggles happening across the country, including right here in Manhattan.
McGuire was born in July of 1852 and grew up in a neighborhood described as a “living grave.” At the age of 17 he took an apprenticeship as a piano builder. At this tender age, he got his first taste of activism as he marched in a 100-man strike for an eight-hour work day. He then led his coworkers in a fight against a wage reduction. They lost and McGuire was forced to find a job working for a finish shop. He eventually lost his job due to a severe economic down turn.
He may have lost his job but his determination was still intact. McGuire traveled the country and eventually moved his family to St Louis. While in Missouri, he lobbied legislators to create bills for some of the country’s first child labor laws.
In 1881, McGuire helped found the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions, which was the precursor to the American Federation of Labor. In the same year, he helped to organize the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.
On September 5th, 1882, 10,000 workers gathered in New York to participate in the first Labor Day parade and picnic. They celebrated in honor of every American worker. In 1894 the US Congress made one of McGuire’s dreams a reality by making Labor Day a national holiday.
On May 1st, 1886, he led 340,000 workers across the United States in one of the most famous “eight-hour work day” demonstrations. Workers from every industry participated, but building tradesmen were the central force. It wasn’t until 1933 that Franklin Roosevelt enacted the National Industrial Recovery Act, the first law to set a minimum wage and hour maximum and to give workers the right to unionize.
McGuire died in1906. He worked to organize labor up to his dying day, when he said he had to get to California because they needed his help. Fittingly, Peter J. McGuire was buried in Arlington Cemetery near his statue.
But that’s all in the past. We have it made now, right? I say absolutely not! As a union carpenter, I continue to see many of the same struggles that McGuire fought for, such as a need for better wages and safer working conditions.
All of the Unions in Manhattan are trying to gain the same thing--a fair wage, health insurance for our families, and a pension to retire on--while keeping our employers competitive in the market place.
Sometimes we need to flex what muscle we have. I’m sure no one is aware that there was a major picket in Manhattan last year that shut down a large job site for half an hour. I cannot mention the site due to on going contract negotiations, but I will say that almost every person in Manhattan will use the facility. The banner was put up in response to an out-of-town subcontractor bringing in possible undocumented workers who were willing to work in substandard conditions for substandard wages and no benefits. The workers were given the opportunity to join the union but they decided not to, so a picket was put up and they were replaced with union help.
By now, everybody knows of the hand bills passed out at Target. This was a similar situation. Target decided to use a non-union, out-of-town contractor from Texas to install the store fixtures. They had bids from union contractors that were willing to hire local help. Target decided to go the cheap route and bring in people who were willing to accept $7.00/hr with no training or benefits instead of hiring trained professionals who would get the job done right the first time, and on time.
Recently, legislation was passed by the US House to remove overtime pay. If this bill passes the Senate, then the eight-hour work day will be eliminated and employers will be able to make us work longer hours without being required to pay time and a half. This is not right. If they want a little more work, we need a little more money.
Peter J. McGuire laid down an excellent foundation for the labor movement. However, it is obvious that we need to continue his work. Come to the Labor Day picnic in the Manhattan City Park on August 30th and help us stand with solidarity to show that we are willing to do what it takes to make our working lives better.
For references contact: info@dstreetdeigns.com
So, what do you think? Talk to me!
Tara
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