Celebrate Labor Day as it was intended by workers and unions
Guest columnist Mark Noon reflects on Labor Day origins and modern pressures. The RAND study on working conditions frames today’s long hours and constant connectivity, while history recalls eight hour days, union activism, and landmark strikes that shaped the holiday’s spirit.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
Rand Corporation
New York City
Elm Park
New York Herald
Iowa
Nixon
Reagan
Bush
Trump
Noble and Holy Order of the Knights of Labor
Congress of Industrial Organizations
CIO
Roosevelt
Community Letters Urge Cedar Rapids Aid for Seniors and Veterans
Wayne Swanson of Central City calls Cedar Rapids to act beyond talk and provide housing for seniors and veterans, noting potential support from companies and individuals. He contrasts past Civil Rights era politics while urging constructive action and awareness.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Congress
Wayne Swanson
Central
Republicans urged to critique president amid Charlottesville row
Letter writers accuse GOP figures Rod Blum Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst of failing to denounce President Trump after the Charlottesville protest and call for elected representatives to uphold Iowa values and take responsibility for past actions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Abraham Lincoln
Pulaski
Tenn
Supreme Court
Plessy
Ferguson
Harlan
Kentucky
Rod Blum
Chuck Grassley
Joni Ernst
Donald Trump
Charlottesville
Ernst
Trump
Blum
Iowa
Lessons for Labor Day from Iowa Labor History
Shelton Stromquist argues that labor’s history teaches solidarity inclusion and universal union rights. He cites the Knights of Labor CIO UFW HERE SEIU and public sector unions key to advancing workers power and democracy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ralph Helstein
United Packinghouse Workers
CIO
UFW
Afscme
AFGE
NEA
AFT & Postal
SEIU
Iowa
Colin Gordon
Epi.org
Republican Party
Shelton Stromquist
The
University of Iowa
Also Mentioned on This Page
Mark Noon
UPS
Avondale
Monongah
Triangle
Peter Gibbons
Bloomsburg University
Mnoonbloomu
Philadelphia Inquirer
Ney
Signe Wilkinson
Post Writers Group
Post
Community Letters
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