Over the years, Labor Day has become known as the last long weekend of summer -- but this year, the "labor" part of the holiday -- or lack thereof -- is getting more attention.
Jobs are at the heart of nearly every campaign across the country, and labor unions are often at the center of political debates.
At the Republican National Convention in Tampa last week, jobs were a theme that's expected to crop up this week too as Democrats gather for their convention in Charlotte, N.C. So, who's got the best plan to create jobs? Voters who spoke to FOX 9 News on Labor Day say they want to know.
Paul Trossen spent 30 years working at the Verso Paper Mill in Sartell, Minn., before an explosion tore through the plant on Memorial Day. The company later opted against repair and reopening. Now, on the day that celebrates the American worker, the 58-year-old has no work.
"It's tough," Trossen told FOX 9 News. "The job market's tough to begin with. My 25-year-old son -- it took him a year with a B.S. degree to get a job."
Still, he came to a union picnic in St. Cloud, where Labor Day's meaning is kept alive. Even though the number of union members has decreased nationwide in the past two decades, organizers say picnic attendance was up this year.
President Barack Obama spent his Labor Day speaking to union workers in Detroit, promising to protect unions and keep jobs here in the United States.
Republican rival Mitt Romney hit the jobs theme hard with his convention speech, and he released a statement about the American Worker on Labor Day, saying too many are unemployed while pointing the finger at Obama.
Both campaigns will be looking for more talking points when the newest job numbers come out on Friday. It's expected to show small gains.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:01 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:01:11 GMT
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:08:29 GMT
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:46:23 GMT
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:44:14 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:15 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:15:21 GMT
An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:00 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:00:29 GMT
An emotional funeral service has been held for a Hofstra University student who was accidentally shot by police.
An emotional funeral service has been held for a Hofstra University student who was accidentally shot by police. Andrea Rebello's family followed the pastor Wednesday as he led her white cloth-draped coffin to the altar at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:55:01 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
