Happy Labor Day

One-hundred thirty-three years ago, the state of Oregon honored workers with the first official Labor Day. Thirty other states would follow, and in 1894 the federal government followed their lead and designated it a national holiday.

I’d like to raise a mug to all those workers out there who make possible the pint of beer it contains. This has been a rough year. Depending on how you count, the pandemic put somewhere between thirty and forty million people out of work. Many breweries were forced to lay off staff as volumes fell. I haven’t heard much about wage growth, but it must be flat—who’s getting a raise during COVID? And of course, if you work as a bartender, server, or anywhere in hospitality, you were very likely to experience layoffs or furloughs.

Meanwhile, work is far more risky, even if you’re not directly serving the public. The coronavirus has killed almost 200,000 Americans (and counting). Going into a confined workplace now presents lethal risk. The chance of getting the virus isn’t high, but the consequences of catching it are. Every time I encounter someone working at a pub or restaurant, I stop to think about it. Those of you who are spending eight hours a day working with a public not fully committed to mask-wearing or distancing, that is an act of real bravery.

Hang in there, folks. To all of you who make, deliver, and serve the beer I drink, please know how much I appreciate all the work you do—especially this year.