Just what does Labor Day mean in 21st-century America?

Labor Day brings forth many different feelings. For some, it sadly marks the end of summer. For mothers, it is often a welcome relief; the kids will finally be going back to school, and for many who regularly toil long hours, it brings a needed day off.

We should remember, however, that Labor Day had its origins in the labor union movement; especially their push to win an eight-hour workday. It is somewhat ironic that at the moment, France which has been held up as a model of social enlightenment with 35-hour work weeks and a five-week summer vacation, is having to rethink some of its liberal worker policies in order to compete in the international marketplace.

Here in America, we are also revisiting our long-held belief that anyone can become hugely successful if he (or she) just works hard enough. We are so defined by what we do, that now even women of wealth pursue meaningful careers.

The initial question asked at social functions is no longer where you are from or who your parents are, but what do you do? Thomas Jefferson said that his proudest achievement had been in creating a meritocratic United States where “a new aristocracy of virtue and talent replaced the old one of unfair privilege.” What would Jefferson have thought about today’s Washington where ambassadorships are given to generous political donors, and large American corporations hire the sons of wealthy Chinese businessmen as enticements to invest vast sums of money in their companies? Sorry, Tom, you did not put an end to “unfair privilege.” It remains alive and well in America today. America is still a hard-working nation, but that workplace has undergone some vast changes. The fabric mills of New England and the auto assembly lines of Detroit no longer provide unskilled workers with lifelong employment and good wages. Lady Liberty no longer welcomes the poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free, but reaches out instead to the doctors, engineers and scientists from abroad. We no longer can count on large companies like AT&T and General Electric to offer lifetime employment to loyal employees.Even top executives, such as the recent dismissal of the much-touted new head of J.C. Penney Co., Ron Johnson, after only 17 months in the position, are no longer exempt from being fired. As a result, employees are less likely to remain loyal to one company and move about more often.We also have come to expect more from our work since with the advent of the Internet and smart phones, we spend even more time in work-related activities. It no longer suffices that our work pays the rent; we want it to fulfill our emotional needs as well.

Our workplace is in a constant state of flux. At present, the majority of married couples are both working, there are more women who are the major breadwinners and more and more women cracking that glass ceiling. As to the future, who knows?

So whether you are on the open road, stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, seeking the sun somewhere, visiting relatives or just relaxing at home with your feet up, this senior worker wishes you a most Happy Labor Day!

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 49 Rose St., Apt. 510, Branford, 06405.

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