If you asked people what Labor Day means to them, many would say two things: a day off from work and the end of summer. But the early observances of Labor Day were not about family or fun; they were about improving the quality of life for America's working men and women. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto and Town Councilman Anthony D. Macagnone urge residents to remember the true meaning of Labor Day, Sept. 1.

"Unfortunately, the true meaning of Labor Day has been all but lost, pushed out by its celebration as the last official day of summer and a day off from work," Supervisor Venditto said. "Councilman Macagnone and I remind residents that what labor has achieved in this country, and for this country, deserves all the celebrating it can get because we would not be enjoying the outstanding quality of life we have today were it not for the hard work and sacrifices of the American worker."

The first Labor Day parade was held in New York City in September 1882. According to Councilman Macagnone, there are two views regarding who first proposed the holiday. Some records show that it was the brainchild of carpenter Peter McGuire, general secretary of the United Federation of Carpenters and Joiners and co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, while there are also records that support machinist Matthew Maguire, secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York, as the originator. "Regardless of who first had the idea, it caught on," the councilman stated. "By 1894, 31 states had created the holiday by legislative enactment, and on June 28, 1894, Congress made it a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. The establishment of a special day to honor labor made a statement to the world about how America reveres working men and women and their roles in society."

"Collectively, the men and women of our labor force are one of the hardest working and highest producing groups to be found anywhere," Supervisor Venditto said. "Their products and services are an essential part of our everyday lives. In the Town of Oyster Bay, we have always recognized the importance of our labor force. I have often stated publicly that Oyster Bay Town government has a workforce that is second to none. From office personnel to sanitation, parks and highway crews, the level of competence and dedication is outstanding."

Councilman Macagnone pointed out that the Town of Oyster Bay has shown its concern for workers on many levels. "I am proud to say that Oyster Bay was the first town on Long Island to adopt the Living Wage Law and the first town in Nassau County to require contractors and subcontractors doing business with the Town to have apprenticeship agreements, both of which I proposed," the Councilman said. "Last year, the town board, at my request, expanded the requirement for apprenticeship programs to applicants for building permits for commercial buildings 100,000 square feet or larger. The town also has a comprehensive program to help displaced workers through the town's Department of Intergovernmental Affairs, Employment and Training Division."

The councilman noted that Oyster Bay serves as the administrative agency for the federal Workforce Partnership program in the Towns of Oyster Bay and North Hempstead and the City of Glen Cove. Displaced or unemployed workers who meet certain eligibility guidelines can receive everything from help preparing resumes and honing job-seeking skills to on-the-job or classroom training. There is no charge for participants. For further information, contact the Employment and Training Division at 797-4560.

"Labor Day is a time to honor the dynamic and vital force of American labor, which has contributed tremendously to the highest standard of living and the greatest production of quality goods and services the world has ever known," Supervisor Venditto stated. "Without the hardworking men and women of our labor force, our nation would not have achieved what it has. It is most appropriate that a special day is set aside to pay tribute to the creator of so much of our nation's strength, freedom and leadership...the American worker. On Labor Day, I urge everyone to join in honoring the dedicated working men and women who helped, and those who are continuing to help, make our nation a safer, stronger and better place for everyone."

"And, let's show our support for labor by using products and services produced in America by American workers," added Councilman Macagnone.