Labor Day 2010

As Labor Day approaches, we pause to reflect on the contributions unions have made to raising the quality of life for American workers.

From abolishing child labor to establishing a minimum wage, the 40-hour week, healthcare and retirement benefits, workplace safety standards and much more, the labor movement helped create the middle class.

Labor Day also marks the beginning of Union Label Week, Sept. 6-12 — a time for consumers to make a special effort to purchase union-made goods and union-produced services when they shop.

“When we ‘buy union,' we support good jobs in our communities — jobs that provide living wages and benefits, safe working conditions and dignity and respect,” said APWU President William Burrus.

“I urge APWU members to look for the union label,” he added, “and to observe Union Label Week by reminding their friends, family and co-workers to buy union.”

Union Label Week is coordinated by the AFL-CIO’s Union Label and Service Trades Department, which promotes union-made products and services, especially those products and services.

For further information, visit www.unionlabel.org.