CentralNJ4Eva
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In celebration of Labor Day, a short story.

For years, my husband installed fencing. He handled the sales and dug the holes for the posts; it wasn't an easy job. Joint-destroying labor in brutal weather for months on end.

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09:56 AM - Sep 04, 2023
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CentralNJ4Eva
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He eventually left that job for a position in retail, and he rose up the ranks until he made management. It was crap pay, but it was steady and he never had to work in the rain or the beating sun.

But it was a big box store that decided more part timers > full timers, for their bottom line.

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09:58 AM - Sep 04, 2023
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CentralNJ4Eva
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He took the test for a local union and got in. We had to decide: was it worth it to take that giant pay cut his first year as an apprentice? Because we'd lose our health insurance while he worked the required hours. If the work slowed, he'd be furloughed. And we had just bought a house.

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10:00 AM - Sep 04, 2023
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CentralNJ4Eva
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We decided together -- he should do it. We'd figure it out.

It's been six years, and:

He works constantly.
He's been promoted.
He makes more money than I ever thought possible.
He's respected by his entire hall.
He's made some great friends.
His health coverage is extraordinary.

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10:02 AM - Sep 04, 2023
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CentralNJ4Eva
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But most importantly -- he loves going to work. He's proud of what he does every day. He comes home tired but happy.

Unions built this country, but they do so much more than that. They're a brotherhood of dignity and self-worth. His union made our life possible, and made it better.

#LaborStrong
10:05 AM - Sep 04, 2023
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