Chad McCollum is working on Labor Day.
For him, it’s not a day for deep discounts or barbecuing. It’s about serving the community as a union firefighter.
McCollum is the Charlotte County District vice president of the Suncoast Professionals Fire Fighters and Paramedics 2546 International Association of Fire Fighters. The fire union has 1,400 members in Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee counties, including more than 300 members in Charlotte County.
Labor Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September recognizing the social and economic achievements of American workers.
In the late 19th century, labor activists lobbied to recognize the contributions workers made to America’s strength, prosperity and well-being, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
“There are a bunch of us on duty on Labor Day,” said McCollum, a Charlotte County fire department lieutenant. “Labor Day is the end of the summer with hot dogs and parties, but I truly believe the good that Labor Day brought was the organized labor unions and better working conditions for those who worked organized jobs.”