Sunday, August 31, 2008
By ASHLEY LUTHERN
YOUNGSTOWN — Labor Day is a time of food, fairs and rest in the Mahoning Valley, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the history, and future, of the local labor movement.
“Labor Day celebrates the advancements that unions have made for worker rights, like the eight-hour work day and weekends,” said George Calko, a union officer with United Steelworkers of America Local 1375.
The last eight years have been tough for labor with more than 500 million jobs lost throughout the country, he said.
“We’re still suffering. A couple of bigger places shut down like Amweld and Indalex and now those guys are out trying to find a new job or learn a new trade,” Calko said.
But he is still optimistic about the future of labor.
“It’s going to be a very exciting time for the labor movement. Never have we had more ownership in the processes and the way we do things in the company,” Calko said.
Linda Warino, director of District 3 of the Ohio Nurses Association, is also positive about the future of the labor movement.
The strength of the unions that represent registered nurses is stronger than ever because of the union’s willingness to help their employers, she said.
“It’s not about all the individuals in this union, it’s about advocating for their patients and keeping the facility open by working with management,” said Warino, whose union represents registered nurses at Forum Health.
Jennifer Farmer, a spokesperson for Service Employees International Union District 1199, had a similar message.
Representing 1,400 Forum Health Workers, SEIU wants to continue partnering with the hospital system, she said.
“The workers at Forum are in a very interesting position and are under pressure from an investment firm and banks to make dramatic changes to improve the bottom line,” she said. “I think Labor Day should be a time when those bankers realize how difficult it is for workers to make ends meet in today’s economy.”
Labor Day was established to give the working class a day off, similar to May Day in other countries, and gives people a chance to understand what the conditions of working are today said Dr. John Russo, co-director of the Center for Working Class Studies at Youngstown State University.
Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.