Office of Speaker Dennis M. O’Brien

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

139 Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        CONTACT:  Jeanne H. Schmedlen

                                                                                                                                   717-705-1894

Speaker O’Brien Issues Labor Day Message

HARRISBURG, August 30 - In recognition of Labor Day, a federal holiday which falls on Monday, Sept. 3, Speaker of the House Dennis M. O’Brien released the following statement:

“It has been over two centuries since the advent of what could be called the most powerful movement in history, Industrialization.  No other conceptual shift had such a broad and deep effect on economic, social and political issues, nor raised so many frightening humanitarian concerns as to necessitate sweeping and ongoing reform.  The relationship between government and industry was completely restructured.

“As we celebrate our state’s rich history on this Labor Day, we cannot underestimate our debt to millions of workers and the industrial visionaries of the past.  But this respect for the past must not overshadow a clear perspective on today’s increasingly difficult questions raised by continuing progress in technology.

“Throughout our history, Pennsylvania has been blessed with working people dedicated and committed to the value of hard work.  And so it is today.  The strength of our state’s economy comes directly from the hardworking men and women whose labor and innovation enable us to enjoy a high standard of living.

“In the post-9/11 era, Pennsylvania workers continue to show their strength and unity.  We are grateful to those men and women who placed civilian careers on hold in order to defend our nation from terrorism.  We salute those Pennsylvania workers in uniform all over the world.

“On this Labor Day, I invite all Pennsylvanians to join in paying tribute to Pennsylvania’s workers, celebrating their many accomplishments and expressing our deep appreciation for their contributions to our Commonwealth.”

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