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Labor Day has been celebrated since 1882, but this year saw efforts to change dues collections and increased pension contributions. Organizers expect more of the same in the coming year, and As Mike Vasilinda tells us, they are preparing to do battle.

Dozens of Labor Day celebrations will be held around the state on Monday.

Honoring working men and women has been an American tradition for more than a century, but this year inside the state capitol, organized labor was in a bitter fight for survival.

“I’m not ashamed of being a Republican, but I am concerned and disappointed in the direction of the Republican party,” Orange Park professional firefighter Scotty Taylor said in March.

GOP lawmakers tried to curtail dues collections and pensions. Firefighters say there’s still plenty to celebrate this Labor Day, but the attacks hurt.

“The feeling that everything is going to be fixed by taking away from us is demoralizing,” professional firefighter Ruben Rodriguez said.

The fight against organized labor is taking place in several states, which lead to the creation of this web site.

“With so many extremely conservative, far-reaching, anti-labor governors in office today,  it’s difficult to decide who in fact is the worst governor ever.” (Sound from website video).

Organizers say the fight isn’t over

Governor Rick Scott is expected to go back to lawmakers next spring, asking for more big changes in the pension plan. Cities and counties are also expected to seek more changes.

Florida’s teachers union has added new members since tenure was abolished, and the AFL-CIO says there is new vitality.

“People are really fired up,” Rich Templin with the Florida AFL-CIO said. “They really now are seeing the naked politics that are taking place at the Florida legislature.”

Organized labor says they are under attack because they are the only ones speaking out against an agenda that favors businesses and the rich. The GOP counters that it is all about what tax payers can afford.

Dozens of Labor Day celebrations will be held around the state on Monday.