An evolving view of Labor Day

As Labor Day rolls around, it’s important to have high regards for the people who have over time built the nation, the Treasure State of Montana and the diverse communities of Flathead County.

The holiday is commonly associated with union labor of the past, but we think it should apply to all workers who have contributed to our communities, particularly in light of the fact that the nature and role of unions have changed considerably in the past several decades.

Back in the day, they were meant to protect the workers who make the world go round from exploitation, and they justly succeeded over time in advancing the rights and interest of union workers. But in more recent years, it has become apparent that at times entrenched union leadership has exploited workers just as ferociously as industry leaders did in years past.

Moreover, union workers only represent a fraction of the total U.S. labor force. And the contribution of non-union workers in the economic development of the Flathead Valley and the rest of the country should not be ignored.

Again, the nature of unions has changed as well, most notably in the remarkable emergence of public sector unions that have become persistent advocates for more government spending and their partisan political allies. That relationship has resulted in fierce friction, most recently in the standoff between unions and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker over budget balancing reforms for the state and local school districts.

Those were changes intended for the public good, and that’s something that all workers should strive for rather than resisting change and reform. There was never any allegation of exploitation against Wisconsin teachers — just a desire to protect gains previously granted, whether they make economic sense or not.

Hopefully, the labor movement will recognize that it has an important part to play in protecting workers’ rights, but also an important part to play in developing a modern economy that isn’t based on a relationship of exploitation but of partnership.