When many folks think of Labor Day, the first things that may come to mind are a three-day weekend, barbecues and the start of the college football season. While many community members took the day off to rest alongside family and friends, others — particularly members of the Hilmar High School football program — were out in the sunshine to display American flags along Lander Avenue.
The tens of dozens of flags displayed in coordination with the Hilmar Chamber of Commerce were a welcome sight to those driving through the town on Monday.
“Thank you (head coach) Frank (Marques) and the boys,” stated Kelly Gomes Hittesdorf on social media. “It was nice coming home to see this in our wonderful town.”
Carol Soares also commented, saying “Thank you for making our town look beautiful.”
Labor Day is observed annually across the nation on the first Monday of September, celebrating the social and economic achievements of American workers.
“The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being,” the US Department of Labor states.
Prior to it becoming a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states. It was first observed in California in 1892 thanks to a declaration from California Governor Henry Markham. On June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday.
Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation Monday declaring Sept. 2, 2024, as Labor Day in the State of California.
“On Labor Day, we recognize and thank all the working people who sustain our state and nation and fuel our prosperity… California is committed to building an economy that works for working people. This Labor Day and every day, we continue our work to expand access to good jobs, secure safe and healthy workplaces, and create new pathways for upward mobility. Together, we can deliver the promise of Labor Day for all hardworking Californians and their families.”
Attorney General Rob Bonta released his fourth annual Labor Day Report that morning, highlighting the DOJ’s efforts to support workers and uphold labor law in California. As part of the report, Bonta also released a list of 10 things workers should know about their rights. They are:
- You have the right to organize and join a union.
- You may be an employee even if you are called a contractor.
- You have several, important wage-and-hour-rights, including the right to a minimum wage.
- Your wages, tips, and accrued vacation are yours.
- You may be entitled to time off — including paid parental leave both paid and unpaid.
- You are protected from sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, by California law.
- You may be eligible for unemployment insurance if you are fired or quit your job for good cause.
- You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
- You can reasonably refuse to do unsafe work.
- Your employer cannot retaliate against you for exercising your rights.
If you believe any of the above rights may have been violated, the report has additional information on how to get help. It can be accessed at https://tinyurl.com/LaborDayReport2024.
