Labor Day Isn't a Holiday for All Workers

Posted by Mary Ashley Canevaro on August 28, 2018

The first Monday in September is dedicated to celebrating the American worker. Labor Day supports the goals of our Founding Fathers—to live in prosperity and economic accomplishment.

Labor Day began as a way to bring union workers together in New York City. The first celebration included a parade and picnic in 1882, and what was originally a networking event became a national holiday by 1894.

The vigor and strength of laborers from the late 19th century provided many industrial and economic opportunities for the US. We still honor the holiday with events like family gatherings, BBQs, quality downtime, and maybe even an end-of-summer trip.

Ironically, some of our hardest-working Americans are still required to continue their duties on Labor Day. For the men and women who work diligently to keep us safe, powered, and connected, there is no such thing as a holiday. So, who exactly has to work on Labor Day?

6 American Workers Who Clock In On Labor Day

 

1. Utility Lineworkers

Tasked with the indispensable work of keeping our lights on, utility workers don’t always get a break. Linemen are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days of the week.

When a storm comes through their community, they are called in to the job. Utility lineworkers are dedicated to keeping the electricity on all over the country, no matter the holiday.
 
utility linemen
 


2. Telecom and Broadband Installation Crews 

With the recent spikes in technology consummation, broadband and cell service is now more important than ever before. According to this survey, 2/3 of Americans work outside normal office hours.

During the Christmas holidays in 2017, 57% of Americans planned to work. When connection services fail, it’s an inconvenience to say the least—for both the worker and employer. Telco and broadband companies often have equipment installation and repair crews on call every day of the week.
 
telecom employee
 
 

3. Hospital Staff

It goes without saying, but nurses and doctors are a daily need in every city. Accidents, illnesses, births, and traumas will happen regardless of what day of the week it is. Nurses, doctors, administrative and maintenance staff are scheduled to work through holidays, or are on call for high-volume situations. Their hard-working perseverance keeps our communities moving forward.
 
hospital staff
 

4. Our Military

Many active duty soldiers and military personnel don’t get to take the day off on holidays, such as those who are deployed overseas. Military time off is determined by the unit the soldiers are in and where they are stationed. These brave men and women fight for our freedom and our country every day of the year. 
 
military

 


5. Security and IT Staff

According to Business New Daily, security workers are the most likely to clock in on Labor Day. Research shows that 15% of businesses are making IT and security a number one priority. (Hackers don’t take off on Labor Day!) Security teams from private businesses, government sectors, or public safety may be working through the holiday.
 
Security
 


6. Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators

Clean water is important and necessary to the health of all Americans. Water plants operate consistently, requiring detailed supervision. For most plants, there must always be an operator on site, even on Labor Day. Water systems are highly regulated, so keeping watch is a high priority.
 
water treatment employee


Labor Day isn't always a holiday for the people that keep our communities safe, our utilities powered, and our communication devices connected. Although we have highlighted a few essential positions for our country’s success,  many other workers will be clocking in. Policemen, firefighters, and hospitality and service industry employees likely won’t get a day off either.

As many Americans prepare to take the day off next Monday, let’s remember the hard-working Americans that diligently serve our country and better our communities.
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