75th Anniversary of the Fair Labor Standards Act
When the Fair Labor Standards Act was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt 75 years ago, it created the first national minimum wage, established the standard maximum hourly work week, and protected children from exploitation.
It is not a stretch to argue that the Fair Labor Standards Act helped create the middle class in America.
Our region has been in the forefront of developing workers’ rights. Therefore, noting the anniversary of the enactment of the Fair Labor Standards Act is of particular importance today.
 Allegheny County, Southwestern Pennsylvania, has a Pivotal Role in American Labor History
There have been significant moments in American labor history that emerged from activities in our region.
A landmark event in American history occurred in Homestead when private detectives were hired by Carnegie Steel and Henry Clay Frick and arrayed against the town and the workers at the mill to break the steelworkers’ strike. At stake were worker rights to bargain collectively, have representation and be involved in workplace decisions.
 On the Ohio River, labor strife at the Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation in Aliquippa precipitated a court case and a test of the Wagner Act’s constitutionality. Fact is, from Braddock to Brackenridge -- and many places in between – all have rich histories and serve as the setting of events that have contributed to the development of labor relations in America as we know it today.
Click here to read a full history of labor and how workers’ rights have been achieved, authored by Chuck McCollester.
Community Shredding Event to Benefit Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
On Sept. 7 I’ll be holding a free community shredding event at Woodland Hills High School, 2550 Greensburg Pike, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Consumer fraud and identity theft present a significant risk to all Pennsylvanians.
I encourage everyone to come out to take advantage of this free opportunity to dispose of sensitive documents in a safe and secure way. Feel free to bring any documents you no longer need that contain personal information, including Social Security numbers, credit card numbers and back account numbers. Your documents will be shredded onsite with the shredded paper then recycled after the event.
Throughout the event, we’ll be collecting donations of non-perishable food items for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. With the holidays just a few months away, we can help prevent hunger for our friends and neighbors in need by doing our part to stock the shelves of the food bank. Far too many families are still struggling to make ends meet. By coming together as a community and taking small steps today, we can provide for happier and healthier tomorrows. I hope you’ll consider bringing along a few items to donate while your documents are being shredded.
 School is Back in Session
The 2013-14 school year has officially begun. With that brings school buses back to our roads, with children entering and exiting at their stops across town and through our neighborhoods. Please watch for students and the buses and do your part to prevent any unnecessary tragedies.
Remember Pennsylvania has a school bus stopping law. Motorists approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended are required to stop in all directions at least 10 feet from the bus. Please do your part to keep our kids safe as they travel to and from school each day.
 Stay Connected
For updates on this and other legislative initiatives, stay in touch with me on the Internet through my website or on Facebook.
|
