Solidarity Whenever

I wonder if it still makes sense
To celebrate a Labor Day,
Proclaimed to honor trades from whence
The workers struck for decent pay,
Then health-care policies acquired,
And pensions, too, when they retired.

Three decades, though, our industry
Has trimmed jobs unions represent
As much as it could possibly.
Today the share is eight per cent.
New workers, therefore work for less
And add to needs for stimulus.

Gone too since recent good old days
Old-age assistance good for life
Paid premiums, 401(k)s.
A third of seniors feel the strife.
Still on the job to slither by,
Some think they’ll work the day they die.

Near one in ten, we’re unemployed
Not counting those who’ve quit their search,
Whereas the top per cent’s enjoyed
Returns of billions to their perch.
Our middle class’s threat is real;
The country needs a Newer Deal.

Like Roosevelt creating jobs,
Obama hopes for business growth.
Some fear if he from Peter robs
To pay Paul, they’ll lose. Hell, help both!
If 99 per cent go broke
It’s everyone who’ll feel the yoke.

On Chrysler and GM’s top floor
The UAW should call
And show executives the door.
(In both it owns shares, after all.)
Put stuffed shirts on assembly lines
Sans benefits till each resigns.

— Labor Day, 2009