Ahhhhhh, a long weekend.

If you’re like me you’ll be taking advantage of this long weekend to head to the nearest body of water and—for the last time in 2015—chill out on a raft and barbeque some meat. In the olden days, this was also the weekend that we were expected to pack away all of our white clothes in anticipation of Fall.

While you are enjoying one last picnic with your friends, I hope that you take a moment to remember everything that Labor Day represents. Labor Day, the first Monday in September, comes from the labor movement and is dedicated to all of the achievements of our country's workers. One day each year, we take an extra day to pay tribute to the millions of workers who make our country great.

The roots of the holiday go back to 1885 when municipalities began calling for a day of rest to celebrate the American workforce. This spiraled into legislation in key states and, finally, an act from Congress to make Labor Day a legal holiday. This sure wasn’t an easy policy for lawmakers to pass!

Then, through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations took strong strides to recognize the importance of the global labor force. Article 23 includes language that, “Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work” and “Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.” Article 24 indicates that, “Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.”

A few other important interventions helped to protect workers around the world. Here is a quick recap of three of the most impactful efforts!

Maternity Leave

Maternity leave policies are designed to give moms some rest immediately before and after childbirth. Current United States maternity leave policy is directed by the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), which includes a provision mandating 12 weeks of unpaid leave annually for mothers of newborn or newly adopted children. American maternity leave policies are often criticized because they are so limited, especially when compared to other developed countries.

The 40 Hour Work Week

Back in 1926, Ford Motor Company became one of the first companies in America to adopt a five-day, 40-hour week for workers in its automotive factories.

In early 1914, during a period of widespread unemployment and increasing labor unrest, Ford announced that it would pay its male factory workers a minimum wage of $5 per eight-hour day, increased from a previous rate of $2.34 for nine hours. This was revolutionary at the time, $5 per day was nearly double what the average auto worker had made! Ford’s idea was genius and the new policy immediately boosted productivity along the assembly line and built a sense of company loyalty among employees. The company explained that, “the Ford Company always has sought to promote [an] ideal home life for its employees. We believe that in order to live properly every man should have more time to spend with his family.” Totes.

Workers’ Compensation

Back when manufacturing was king, going to work sometimes posed serious threats. Workers’ compensation is designed to protect employees from physical harm and compensate staff when they are injured.

Workers’ compensation really got its start back in 1855 when Georgia and Alabama passed Employer Liability Acts. At that point, injured employees could sue their employers if and when they were negligent. At first, many folks thought that these laws conflicted with the 14th Amendment. In 1917, the United State Supreme Court laid down the law in New York Central Railway Co. v. White. After the ruling, many states enacted new compulsory workers' compensation laws. In the United States, most employees who are injured on the job receive appropriate medical care, and, in some cases, payment to compensate for resulting disabilities

While you’re enjoying hot dogs and the last glimpses of summer, take time to celebrate how far the United States Government has come in increasing the rights of workers. And, be sure to think about how much work remains to ensure that labor rights are protected.

This year, at the G20 meetings, we’re calling on key leaders to increase economic opportunities for women around the world by allowing them open access to the workforce and the same opportunities that men have to thrive outside of the home.

Can we count on you to help break some glass ceilings? Sign the petition by going to TAKE ACTION NOW!

Editorial

Demand Equity

A few things to think about this long weekend

By Judith Rowland