DJ Talk

Random Labor Day facts and stats . . .

Did you know this Monday is also Labor Day in Canada?  They just spell it differently . . . L-A-B-O-U-R.  Typical Canada.

And in Japan, they mix Labor Day with . . . Thanksgiving.  It’s actually called Labor Thanksgiving Day, and it’ll be celebrated on November 23rd.

Here are a few more random Labor Day facts and stats . . .

1.  Oregon was the first state to make Labor Day an official public holiday back in 1887.  It caught on quick.  By the time it became a FEDERAL holiday in 1894, 30 states were officially celebrating Labor Day.

2.  35% of the work force belonged to UNIONS in the 1950s.  That was PEAK UNION.  Now, it’s just 10.3%.

3.  According to a new Gallup poll, 71% of Americans said they support labor unions . . . that’s the highest percentage since 1965.  It was 68% last year.

4.  In one poll, 68% of people said Labor Day is their “favorite holiday” . . . which seems like it has to be a mistake.  (???)

5.  53% of Americans plan to get out of town for Labor Day weekend, and 36% plan to travel by car.  Gas prices have been falling for almost two months now, but the average price of regular gasoline is still up 23% from last Labor Day.  The national average today is $3.83.

6.  Celebration plans vary by generation.  Gen Z are most likely to go out for food and drinks, travel, and attend or host a party . . . while Boomers are most likely to gather with family and friends . . . and Gen X are the most likely to grill.

7.  51% of Americans have gone a year or longer without taking a vacation.

8.  The current unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is the lowest it’s been in a half-century.  Well, actually it’s tied for the lowest.  The only other months that it’s been 3.5% were:  January and February of 2020.  And we all remember what happened in March.

9.  87% of people think they should get a raise to keep up with inflation . . . but it isn’t just inflation.  55% say they’ve worked harder since the pandemic began.

 

Tejay Schwartz

Morning Drive Jock at GM Broadcasting / 102.5 The Vault. -- I was born in Denmark and moved to the US with my family when I was 3. I grew up in Upstate NY and have lived here since. I graduated from JC High school and Sullivan County Community. I'm working The 102.5 The Vault Morning Show as well as traffic (scheduling commercials).