Latest pro-labor actions aim to grow the economy "from the middle out and the bottom up” as part of Bidenomics

By Miriam Raftery

View President Biden's Labor Day speech in Philadephia, where he speaks to union workers about the differences between his record of helping working people and Donald Trump's record

September 3, 2023 (Washington D.C.)-- President Joe Biden promised to be the most pro-worker and pro-union President in American history, and has taken numerous steps to keep that promise.

Under his administration,  more jobs per month have been created than under any president in the past four decades, despite the pandemic. Recent polls show  support for unions at its highest level in more than half a century—68%  according to Gallup. Though inflation has been the greatest economic challenge,Inflation-adjusted income is up 3.5% since the President took office, and the largest wage gains over the last two years have gone to the lowest-paid workers, according to the White House. The unemployment rate is the lowest in 50 years, the Deptartment of Commerce reports,  and a greater share of working-age people have a job today than in over 20 years. Under Bidenomics, America is seeing a historic level of investment in manufacturing, Forbes reports, and new industries to create good-paying jobs that Americans can raise a family on and build a community around.

In advance of Labor Day, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing new actions this week to empower workers by investing in America’s clean energy workforce, establishing pathways into high-paying and union jobs, demonstrating the benefits of unions, and extending critical wage protections. 

The White House released details on these actions, including:

By Rebecca Person

August 29, 2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- Over Labor Day weekend on September 2, Jacumba Hot Springs celebrates its wild sunflowers -- cheerful survivors of a challenging high desert clime - with a friendly Pop-Up Art Show, Nature Photography Exhibit and its monthly Bathhouse Bazaar.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

August 26, 2019 (San Diego) - Make Labor Day Work For You – Safely!

On the first Monday of September, many workers take the day off and enjoy time relaxing with friends and family for Labor Day. Many Americans will turn the time off into an extended weekend by hosting barbecues, going on a mini vacation or spending time outdoors, reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

By Sgt. K. Trotter, El Cajon Police

August 28, 2018 (El Cajon) — As we enter the final stretch of summer spending time at the pool or barbequing with friends and family, El Cajon Police Department is driving home the importance of celebrating responsibly by not driving, or riding a motorcycle, impaired. 

By Miriam Raftery

August 30, 2017 (Warner Springs) – Wings of Rescue is working to fly out pets stranded or lost from areas flooded by Hurricane Harvey.  On Monday from 12 noon to 4 p.m., Hawk Watch Winery in Warner Springs is hosted a benefit for Wings of Rescue’s hurricane relief efforts.

East County News Service

September 6, 2015 (San Diego)— Hundreds of thousands of workers for federal contractors will now receive paid leave when they are sick, thanks to an executive order signed by President Barack Obama in honor of Labor Day.

The U.S. Department of Labor has set up a special section on its website devoted to Labor Day news.  It notes that when workers prosper, the economy prospers too. “Shared prosperity is not just about economic fairness, but also national strength,” the Labor Department’s website states.

But as Americans celebrate the holiday, many are unaware of the origins of Labor Day, which has its roots in the Industrial Revolution, when many U.S. workers toiled 7 days a week, 12 hours a day. Wages were low and factory workers included children as young as 5 years old, toiling amid often dangerous and unsanitary conditions.

By Miriam Raftery

September 2, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - Deadly drunk driving crashes have spiked this summer, killing 11 people since May -- six in August alone.

July is dedicated as National Grilling Safety Month – Send the Right Smoke Signal - SAFETY!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 29, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - “July, August and right into Labor Day we use our barbeques than any other months. Firefighters respond to many structure and wild-land fires that involve barbeques this time of year. We also treat many victims for injuries related to barbeques says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Barbeque Safety means sending the right smoke signal and that signal is Safety!”

On behalf of East County Magazine, we wish you and your family a very Happy Labor Day!

The first  national Labor Day was adopted by Congress in 1894 and signed into law by President Taft, following a tradition began by  New York in 1884 followed by several other states. Today we honor the contributions of American workers to our nation. 

This year is a special occasion, since it marks the centennial celebration of the U.S. Department of Labor.  The first Labor Department Secretary was a former coal miner who helped found the United Mine Workers Union.

Founded 100 years ago in 1913, the Department o f Labor has helped usher in many reforms and protections for workers that modern-day people may take for granted--such as  the 40-hour work week and overtime pay, worker’ compensation for ill and  injured employees,  the Equal Pay act for women, laws to prevent discrimination based on race, outlawing child labor, enabling those with disabilities, and adopting OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Act to protect workers from dangers in the work place.

August 29, 2013 (San Diego) – Waste Management of San Diego’s curbside residential and commercial trash and recycling pick-up schedule will be delayed by one day throughout the week of September 2, in observance of Labor Day. In addition, all Waste Management operations will be closed on Monday, September 2, with normal operations resuming the next day

From the U.S. Department of Labor

August 31, 2012 (Washington D.C.) – What are your rights if you observe safety hazards or certain other wrongdoing at your workplace? 

This Labor Day, learn how you can help protect coworkers or the public from dangerous conditions and key illegal activities—and be protected under federal and state whistleblower laws. 

August 30, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Bellus Academy is offering complimentary spa services for active and retired servicemen and women September 4-8.  The award-winning salon and spa has three locations in San Diego, El Cajon, Poway and National City.

Nothing but the Truth!

...Sadly, the history of labor strife in not taught in schools, and the union-bashers are hoping workers will forget what the Bad Old Days were all about.

By Will Power