Yes, I'm at work. And yes, I'll be here again tomorrow. And I have work-related responsibilities for part of the day on Monday.
I heard on NPR today that the very concept of 2-day weekends for most workers is largely due to the influence of factory workers -- Jewish and Christian -- as well as certain large business owners, such as Henry Ford. The workers managed to finagle a day off for their respective sabbaths, whereas Ford just liked the idea of a 2-day break from work in order to encourage workers -- and consumers -- to use their brand new automobiles more.
I find it fascinating that Jews made up such a large number of factory workers in the early part of the 20th century that they were able to sway management to grant Saturdays off in addition to the more readily approved Sundays for most other religious groups. And apparently Ford pretty much invented the weekend getaway, which is kind of cool -- even if it was all part of a dastardly plan to sell more product.
If you have a day off from work or school this Monday in observance of Labor Day, please don't forget to thank the labor unions for it -- and for weekends in general. The unions, those melting pots of immigrants in the early 1900s, as well as a few shrewd management types like Ford, are responsible for our ability to sleep in, take a road trip, worship, and/or spend time with our families and friends for two days each week without needing to face the wrath of our employers.
And don't worry about little old me, toiling away, trying to make life easier for incoming students. It's what I signed on for.
I love my job.
Mostly.
Gah.