Labor Day—A Poor Cousin to May Day? workers challenging corporate power

FULL article: http://blog.aflcio.org/2006/08/31/labor-day%e2%80%94a-poor-cousin-to-may-day/

Labor Day—A Poor Cousin to May Day?

Today, we launch the first in a series of Labor Day posts highlighting some of the historical contributions of workers and their unions. The series will conclude with a look at the challenges America’s workers face today when seeking to form unions.

Labor Day is more than just a Monday holiday marking the end of summer.

At least it should be. For many of us in the union movement, it’s a time to hold Labor Day picnics and rallies and often, as this election year, move full-speed ahead in political action on the way to the November elections. It’s also a time to reflect on the sacrifices of those U.S. workers who came before us—especially those who lost their lives in the fight for justice at the workplace.

While the radical origins of May Day are not contested, as labor historian David Montgomery notes:

Labor Day is more a complicated affair.

Only the United States celebrates Labor Day in September. Elsewhere around the globe, nations honor workers on May 1—May Day.

And that historical quirk is no accident.

Ironically, “May Day” was founded by U.S. workers—and taken away from them as a day to celebrate by a federal government fearful of the wave of large demonstrations for the eight-hour day and massive strikes for justice on the railroads, in the mines and factories that had begin in 1877.

Such an action may seem quaint now. But the symbolism of May Day—working people challenging corporate power—still causes fear among the top elite.

Just ask George W. Bush and the Republican extremists in Congress.

In 2003, Bush proclaimed May 1 as “Loyalty Day” when U.S. citizens should

express allegiance to our nation and its founding ideals, we resolve to ensure that the blessings of liberty endure and extend for generations to come.

That same year, Congress, designated May 1 of each year as “Loyalty Day.”

Proclaimed Bush:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2003, as Loyalty Day. I call upon all the people of the United States to join in support of this national observance. I also call upon government officials to display the flag of the United States on all government buildings on Loyalty Day.

And while hundreds of thousands of immigrant workers and their supporters took to the streets for justice May 1, 2006—as did their symbolic forbearers in the 18th century—Bush again proclaimed May 1 Loyalty Day.

Just when you think historical events are just that—they come back stronger than ever.

Continued at link.

...day to show solidarity along with the rest of the world worker's movement and stick their thumbs right the eyes of their oppressors, corporate management and capitalists.