They might be two different holidays celebrated on two different dates, but Father’s Day and Labor Day certainly have similarities. And you might want to keep that in mind when you purchase any gifts for this year’s June 16 celebration, too.
Father’s Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1972, which was also the year of a couple of landmarks in labor.
In that year, the Major League Baseball Players Association had its first strike. From that monumental movement, the folks who play America’s Favorite Sport were awarded America’s Staple Benefit – for the first time did professional athletes become eligible for pension.
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, which to this day addresses the combined causes of civil rights and labor rights, was created in 1972, as well.
Remember these historic landmarks and all related to labor when you honor your father this Sunday. After all, many of the things we thank our dads for on this holiday – providing a safe home with regular income while still having the time (and benefits) to care for us when we were kids – wouldn’t have been possible were it not for labor unions. So when you purchase him a gift, make sure it’s union made.
There are plenty of options, too, because labor unions represent very many brand names in the U.S.
If you get him the classic gift of tools, make sure they have the Klein or Apex brand names; those are union made.
To give your dad any clothing, look for the brand names of Hugo Boss, Hickey Freeman and Joseph Abboud, add a pair of Birkenstock sandals, and top it off with Old Spice or Pierre Cardin colognes.
If you want to reward him with a good drink, think Miller and Stella Artois beers or Jim Beam and Knob Creek whiskies.
He’s a sports enthusiast, you say? Then think of a Spalding basketball or a Louisville Slugger.
And you can find many other options at the Labor 411 listing of union-made products, too.
Remember – think union when you thank your father.