A Labor Day Story - Why Didn't They Make the Special Announcement?

Recognized as a federal holiday through a legislative enactment in 1894, Labor Day, which was created by the Central Labor Union, is still recognized as the official off day for every working individual in the United States. Labor Day actually carries a number of exclusive distinctions, in addition to being the celebrated day of rest for America's work force, it also is the official proclamation that summer has ended. Observed the first Monday in September, it notifies all students that school will begins that weeks, it is the last day for wearing white outer ware for men, it is the last outside cooking on the grill holiday of the year, and the reminder that baseball season ends in a couple of weeks.

Following the 911 tragedy a number of companies were feeling the pinch and experiencing some financial problems. The company that I worked for was one of them. A small manufacturing arm of a large retail chain, store sales had dropped drastically and production slow downs, along with reduced work week schedules were rumored. The company picnic was always held on Labor Day. Naturally it was an optional attend event. But everyone attended because it was also the day that we received our semi-annual bonus check. Weeks prior, the talk around the floor was that management intended to make a major announcement regarding the future of our division.

We were all hoping for something like a four day work week. Another company in town had instituted that policy and through the grapevine it was revealed that it helped them reduce expense sufficiently, enough so that they were moving them towards profitability. Speculation ran high around the shop floor and everyone was drooling at the thought of how wonderful such a change would be. Labor Day was the scheduled day of the announcement. Everyone showed up early to the picnic grounds. As always, it was a lavish event. Food was top notch. The contest and prizes was top drawer. The entertainment consisted of only top named celebrities.

But there was no indication of when the announcement would be made. As a matter of fact, in the event program, other than the welcome speech, there was no other mention of anyone else from management uttering a word. When did they intend to make the special announcement we all wondered. It was getting late in the day. Practically everyone was still present in anticipation of the special announcement. Generally by this time, only 20% to 25% of the families would still be hanging around...Everybody wanted to know what the special announcement was.

Finally the Labor Day picnic ended. Everyone picked up their bonus check and began leaving the grounds. No special announcement was ever made! A few of us hung around the picnic grounds parking lot to discuss what this could mean...Were their plans to close our division? Were massive layoffs intended? What was going on? Why didn't they make the special announcement? Anything any of us could come up with was only speculation. Even my wife's cousin, who was in upper management and always gave me some indication of what was going on, was mute about the situations. Tensions ran high and now everyone was afraid. We all left quietly. What a Labor Day this has turned out to be.

Silence continued throughout the drive home, even the kids was quiet, sensing the uneasiness that filled the car. My wife attempted to bring some humor into the situation. She had won a big screen HDTV and wanted to know if Mr. Wyatt would open Wyatt's Appliances today, on Labor Day evening, so she could claim her prize. She took out her cell phone and begin to dial the store's number, which was located on the big sign outside the entrance, as we drove by. The kids all laughed and prompted her to stop trying. I forced a smile, but my mind was still stuck on the big announcement that did not happen.

We arrived home safely and everyone unloaded and went in to house. I noticed there were an unusually large number of telephone answering machine messages, but I was not in any type of mood to talk to anyone so I ignored them. I went in the den and turned on TV and there I sat, allowing the flickers off the television screen reflect on me while I reflected on the events of this Labor Day...What was the special announcement? Why was it with held today?

My wife put the kids to bed, cleaned up a little, and made her way into the den. She stood in the door way and looked at me. "Enough already! You will find out soon enough. Give it a rest. By the way, how much was your bonus check for?" She said in her most motherly tone. The bonus check? I had completely forgotten about it. Where had I put it? I scrambled around looking for it and it in the picnic cooler we had taken with us. I opened it and found the check enveloped in another piece of paper. Desiring to ignore this paper obstacle and get right to the check, I quickly removed it to gaze upon the figure listed on the check when the headline of the paper caught my attention: SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

I set the check aside and continued to read:

To Our Magnificent Staff:

Due to increased competition, a downward economy, economic influences that are beyond our control, and a keen desire to avoid bankruptcy and shut down this facility, we find it is imperative that we immediately begin to institute a new policy. Effective immediately, with continuation to be strictly adhered to from this day hence, we are demanding that somewhere between your work starting and quitting time, without infringing too much on the already allotted time which you are allowed to devote to your lunch schedule, coffee breaks, rest time, talk story periods, weekend golfing, nascar auto racing, church fundraising sales, yesterday's TV program summarizing, and vacation planning discussions, that each employee closely re-evaluate their work day and try to find some time that can be set aside and be known as THE WORK BREAK TIME. We realize that to some, this appears to be a radical innovation; however, we in upper management have looked closely at this ideal, and honestly believe it has remarkable possibilities. It may even aid in keeping this company open and in operation as a business enterprise for a few more years, in addition to keeping you employed and able to provide for your family. We strongly appreciate your cooperation.

The Management.

P.S. Happy Labor Day.

Resource: Personal Experience