Paying Tribute on Labor Day
For most people, Labor Day conjures up images of celebrations, including picnics and parades that mark the end of summer. Although 100 years have passed since Labor Day was first designated as a national holiday, it continues to honor and thank the American worker, especially the construction craft professional.
The millions of men and women who make up the U.S. construction workforce have the unique opportunity to make an impact on their communities unlike any other profession. Construction craft professionals build the roads that connect our towns, the office buildings where we make a living, the schools where our children are educated, the hospitals where we get medical care and the places we call home.
While Labor Day has typically been associated with unions, the majority of Iowa construction professionals – 85 percent – choose to work by the merit shop philosophy. These workers place a high premium on the quality of work they produce and believe employment opportunities should be awarded based on qualifications and performance, not labor affiliation. They deserve our praise.
Our country’s landscape wouldn’t be what it is today without the hard work, sweat and dedication of the American construction craft professional. So on this Labor Day, remember to thank all of those who work hard to build for our future.
Greg Spenner
President and CEO
Associated Builders and Contractors of Iowa
475 SE Alices Road, Suite A
Waukee, IA 50263
(515) 987-3790 x222
greg.spenner@abciowa.org