118 Years Later

The first official Labor Day in 1894 was all about working conditions in a era where many Americans (some as young as 6 or 7) worked 12-14 hour days for meager wages. Now, 118 years later, many also see the holiday as a way to celebrate the end of summer.

Over those 118 years many things have changed, but some things remain. In the late 1800s many workers were employed in manufacturing and industrial type jobs, but even then they were searching for a common purpose, a feeling of unity, communication from their managers, equality, fair wages and respect. 

Working conditions then were so horrible that workers began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay. On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history.  
But, it was not until 12 years later, in the wake of a strike by the workers of the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago that created massive unrest; that Congress attempted to repair ties with American workers and passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and all the territories. 

As you end summer with a Labor Day celebration, reflect on the history of American workers  -- we've come a long way, but improving your relationship with your people, or helping your people improve is still at the heart of what makes businesses excel. If you need assistance. We can help!



 

Great Moments

Watching some of the best athletes in world push out every ounce of courage, strength and determination in these XXX Olympic Games, it is easy to rejoice with the winners.

But the heartbreaks sometimes make more of an impact. Because many of these competitors do not let a loss break them down. They have a drive inside to be the best and that shows on the outside.

Some of the most memorable comebacks in history have happened during the Olympic Games. In 1980, the U.S. Hockey team trailed 3-2 against the Soviet Union going into the third period, but they came back, took the lead and won gold. A movie was made about that team, Miracle featuring Kurt Russell as Coach Brooks. If you haven’t seen it or heard the famed pep talk, it is definitely worth watching.

More recently, gymnast Kerri Strugg pressed forward in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta as she vaulted on an injured ankle to help her team win gold.

Speed skater Dan Jansen had a catastrophic performance in the 1988 Olympics when he fell twice after learning of the death of his sister, but he did not quit. He came back in 1992, four years older, but determined to win, and he did…a gold medal!

These athletes are extraordinary in their sports. But, inside they are just like the rest of us, they need a mission, a purpose and vision of how to get there. Like us, they are using what is on the inside to build excellence on the outside.

That is what we want for your company, your career and your life.