"Unfortunately, many of our work force are no longer working," said Cecil Roberts at a Sunday Labor Rally. "It's insensitive and discriminatory to celebrate the working laborer at a time when the economy has forced many out of the work force. Yes, we support our working men and women, but we also support those who are stuck at home, collecting Welfare checks every month."
West Virginia Congressman Nick Joe Rahall authored the bill, "This is the new normal in America and it's time we celebrate the non-laboring laborer. I represent all West Virginians - especially those who are now out of work due to excessive EPA restrictions that have closed down the coal mines that used to employ them."
Labor Day was founded in 1882 under the direction of the CLU (Central Labor Union). Fearing continuing conflicts following the deaths of several workers during the Pullman Strike, Congress rushed through legislation to make Labor Day a national holiday. President Grover Cleveland signed it into law immediately making the September date (chosen by the CLU) the official day to celebrate the economic and social contribution of workers.
However, with so many of Americas labor force out of work in recent years, Unions felt the need to change to reflect the times.
"The White House admits that 8.3% of Americans are looking for work, but the real unemployment rate is more like 15%," said AFL-CIO boss, Richard Trumpka. "That's the amount of Americans who have given up looking. It's an embarrassing number for any Industrial Nation, but the real price is the toll it's taking on Unions. It's hard to collect dues from unemployed labor. It's hard, but not impossible."
President Barack Hussein Obama has yet to make an official Unemployment Day announcement. His campaign states he's focused on spreading the message about all the jobs his administration has created - and why everything else is Bush's fault.
