Today, across America, workers are taking a day off on this last official day of summer. The sun in shining here in New England, yet, I can’t help thinking of coal miners working in the belly of the earth. Under blue skies and with a warm breeze blowing, I can’t help but remember the children and adults, working in airless, disease-causing mills such as the Slater Mill in Pawtucket. On this day of Gustav, my heart goes out to the news crews who put themselves in harm’s way to cover storms and natural disasters. Likewise, I remember soldiers now, and then, who have risen to the call of patriotism and duty to their countries, and have upheld their nation’s values by going to war to preserve them.
On this day to celebrate the ordinary worker, I recall the disrespect given to many. I remember a man who spent his life working at a pharmaceutical company only to be told within weeks of his “retirement” that the company no longer had a need for him. His job had been phased out, and he would see no retirement checks.
Food workers come to mind, as well. They put up with a lot of hassles from a demanding, non-appreciate public, and they return home with aching backs and swollen ankles.
Today, I think of college instructors who are urged by parents and administration alike to issue grades of “A,” when a “C” or “D” might be more appropriate for the partying, lazy student who should never have made it to the halls of higher learning, in the first place.
Yes, the American worker has many trials, particularly in a world that thrives on mediocrity and rarely calls anyone to be at their best. The other sad story (the other side of the coin) are those who do give their best and are not adequately rewarded, while others benefit greatly from their labor. In America, one can work one’s heart out and never be adequately compensated.
Some of the best work women can do has no monetary attachment: raising children, keeping a clean house, and providing nutritious food. A mother’s work is perhaps the most undervalued, but most important work of all. Whether we look back, or look ahead, we will see that all “work” has intrinsic value. As we take a “break” today from our usual labors, please take a moment to appreciate all the work of others who continue to sustain your life, and who inspire your own work. Happy Labor Day!
Patricia Cummings
