Labor Day Labor

By  | 

For some in mid-Michigan, Labor Day means a break from the daily grind; for others it's just another day at work. Economists don't keep track of how many people actually do work on Labor Day so there's no way to get an easy estimate, but experts say the number is higher than it was in years past.

Due in part to a transformation in industry as America shifts from a manufacturing to service based economy. There's more around the clock employers and increased extended hours for retail stores looking to make money on the holiday geared towards vacation and now even shopping.

A recent study by the University of Maryland shows 40 percent of Americans work either the late shift or weekend hours, not to mention the occasional holiday.

Scott Wilson, Manager at the Dunkel Road Sunoco, says employees get time and a half for working the holiday, an incentive for them to stay and work. Kacie Skidmore, a waitress at the Fleetwood Diner, says she gets her normal hourly rate plus tips, but it's usually busier on a holiday so she expects to cash in.