News from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
Assembly Office:
933 Legislative Office Building • Albany, NY 12248 • (518) 455-3751
District Offices:
607 West Washington Street • Suite 2 • Geneva, NY 14456 • (315) 781-2030
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For Release: IMMEDIATELY, August 31, 2012
Contact: Doug Finch (315) 781-2030
Celebrate The Skill, Ingenuity And Productivity Of The American Worker This Labor Day!
Legislative column from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua)

Monday, September 3, 2012 will mark our national observance of Labor Day and with it, a terrific opportunity to think about one of our country's most important resources: the American worker. American workers are among the most skillful, productive and industrious in the world, designing, building and staffing massive skyscrapers for Fortune 500 companies, world-class schools that educate, hospitals that heal and interstate highways that connect communities to commerce.

In fact, a recent study found that American workers log more hours on the job than any other industrialized nation. This dedicated work ethic - staying on the job until it is completed - is proof positive of American ingenuity, know how and personal commitment to doing a good job which are second to none. Without question, American workers can compete - and win - against anyone, anywhere, anytime in the world!

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883. The Labor Department also notes that in 1884, the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date.

The hard-working men and women of our nation's labor force have done more - much more - than simply build the greatest, most powerful country in history and created a tremendous standard of living for all our citizens. American workers have made countless great contributions to our national character, culture and very way of life. This Labor Day, whatever your occupation, whatever your profession, be sure and take a moment between the barbecues and ballgames to remember the real meaning of Labor Day: appreciating the American worker!

NEXT WEEK: Making New York #1 in manufacturing!

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.