Labor Day: A Celebration of America’s World Class Workforce
For most families, Labor Day marks the end of summer and a long weekend in which to host barbeques and family gatherings. However, it is important to recognize that Labor Day was made a national holiday to recognize the contributions of American workers and the unions that represented them as they fought for safe working conditions, fair wages and fair treatment. Today’s labor laws and human resource practices are a result of those efforts many years ago.
American workers are the backbone of the American economy. It is the ingenuity, work ethic and intelligence of the American worker which has allowed our country to create a First World economy that is the envy of the world. It is that same ingenuity, work ethic and intelligence that will be required to keep America’s economy strong. As innovative technologies allow us to introduce new cutting edge products, new methods and efficiencies, the ability for American workers to build new skills and master these new opportunities is critical. In Indiana Department of Workforce Development publishes “Hot Jobs”, providing a list of the top 50 jobs in which we see growth coming. You can find the full list at: Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs. We are Economic Growth Region (EGR) 11 if you want to focus on local opportunities.
If you feel you are in a “dead end” or vulnerable job, consider what it might take to “retool”. It is never too late. I recall going to class for my master’s degree pregnant with my second child and feeling too old to be on a college campus. Today we see adults of all ages and backgrounds pursuing new careers. A quarter of USI’s students are “nontraditional”. You will find an even higher number at Ivy Tech and in vocational trades. My prayer to each of you is that you find a job that fits your gifts and talents in a way that benefits others while providing economic security for you and your family. For some, that is construction and building trades. For others it is nursing, teaching, and social services. And, for still others it is research, development and engineering…along with hundreds more careers. We need all these skills to create a diverse regional economy. And, last, but certainly not least, we need some to take the plunge to start and grow your own business so that you can create jobs that will provide for the livelihood of our friends and neighbors.
It continues to be my pleasure to meet you at your door as I travel across all Perry, Spencer, Warrick and Dubois counties. My shoes are well traveled. My knuckles are well worn. Your welcoming attitude is much appreciated. In every case, I come home each evening more knowledgeable and appreciative of the folks I hope to have the privilege to represent in the state legislature this coming year.
Happy Labor Day and blessings to all who call themselves “workers”. May God protect you and provide for the needs of you and your family.
Sue Ellspermann, PhD
Candidate for State Representative District 74
Sue@SueEllspermann.com
(812) 489-0737
