Labor Day 2013 Highlights

Labor Day 2013 kicks off with a message from Labor Secrtary Tom Perez: Labor Day 2013 is special. This year marks the centennial of the U.S. Department of Labor – 100 years of working for America’s workers. And this past week, our nation reaffirmed the ideals of the 1963 March on Washington. This transformational event, exactly 50 years ago, was just as much about labor rights as it was about civil rights. Read more: http://social.dol.gov/blog/a-labor-day-opportunity/

Secretary Perez 2013 Labor Rights Week Message: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8UBJzFzUJI&feature=youtu.be

The fast food strikes that began last November in New York City with walkouts by 200 workers expanded and spread to other cities in the spring and summer. On Thursday, thousands of workers in 60 cities went on a one-day strike. The demands were the same, only amplified — higher pay, to $15 an hour, and the right to organize without retaliation.
Read more at:http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/29/fast-food-workers-on-strike/

See also:

Steven Ashby, a University of Illinois professor who specializes in labor and employment relations, said these strikes have picked up momentum this year, partly because of their new approach. Instead of targeting one company, in Chicago, they target low-wage industries - fast food and retail - and strike for one day. - See more at: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2013-08-28/poverty-issues/labor-day-2013-brings-new-twist-to-labor-movement/a34216-1#sthash.WHkq7SdY.dpuf

http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2013-08-28/poverty-issues/labor-day-2013-brings-new-twist-to-labor-movement/a34216-1

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/08/28/low-wage-workers/2711379/

http://video.ap.org/Perez-Fast-Food-Strikes-Show-Need-for-Wage-Hike-25108579?freewheel=90121&sitesection=associatedpress&VID=25108579

A new report by the AFL-CIO depicts how, even after four years since the recession officially ended, Latino workers continue to be disproportionally affected by the weak economic recovery.

The report released Thursday finds that as the U.S. economy recovers, Latinos are facing higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, as well as lower wages and bleak retirement prospects. The report comes on the heels of Labor Day, which will be celebrated on Monday.

Read in full: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/30/latinos-low-wages_n_3842900.html

Also read: Labor Day by the Numbers: Celebrating American Workers Since 1882http://www.onenewspage.com/n/US/74vzethgb/Labor-Day-by-the-Numbers-Celebrating-American-Workers.htm#LiaeTRTplk9pF8h4.99