Irish immigrant Kate Mullaney was the original Norma Rae, both a great woman and a true role model for women in organized labor.
She formed the first women's union in the United States and was the first woman appointed to a national union office. Labor Day is a good time to remember how far we've come since Kate Mullaney's strike and organizing efforts raised wages to 14 dollars a week!
Labor Day is also a good time to note that there are many benefits to union employment, including higher salaries, a pension, and better health insurance benefits than those provided by many non-union employers.
For some workers, Labor Day is a paid holiday. For others, despite the occasion, not everyone is entitled to a day off to be paid for the holiday if they work. Here's more on Labor Day holiday pay.
Read More: List of Holidays | Holiday Pay | Labor Day Holiday Pay
Photo © Alison Doyle