St. Patrick & Organized Labor

UCOMM Communications would like to wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day. As we celebrate the past sacrifices of Irish-American immigrants, and their indoctrination into the ranks of the American Labor Movement and American Politics, let us pay our respects to St. Patrick. His fight for the poor and the less fortunate, and his commitment to the abolition of slavery of Irish people's - is what makes him a hero to all trade unionist. As we celebrate St. Patrick's Day this week, let us not forget all the hate, violence and discrimination Irish immigrants faced. The progress we made as an American people and a Labor Movement, we owe to the sacrifices and struggles of all immigrants. So this St. Patrick's Day, let us toast all those who immigrate to our great country, be mindful of the hate and violence they currently face, and lend them our moral support - so that they too can work hard to achieve their American Dream - just as the Irish did.

So why does Organized Labor love St. Patrick? Is it because many Irish-Americans found a place in the American Labor Movement? Maybe. Is it because he helped the poor and oppressed in pagan Ireland? Maybe. Or is it because he converted an entire nation to Christianity? Maybe. Back in his day, many Irish were sold into slavery. Before our American struggle with slavery with leaders like Abe Lincoln, Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglas, St. Patrick was one of the world’s first slavery abolitionist. So as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17th, we pay respect to a man who knew over 1,600 years ago that slavery was wrong, and that the poor and oppressed were God's children and deserved better. These are the reasons why Organized Labor celebrates his life.  The green beer helps the cause a bit too!