Labor Day 2006 found many south Georgians working - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Labor Day 2006 found many south Georgians working

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September 4, 2006

Albany-  Labor Day is a day of rest for most and a celebration of the American worker's social and economic achievements.  The holiday has been celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States since the 1880s.  Traditionally, workers get the day off, but we found many businesses open and workers laboring today, just like any other day. 

Not everyone got a Labor Day, free of labor.

"Fourth of July, Labor Day, I basically work something like four hours and the rest of the day I get off and spend with my family," said Charlie Jackson, of Jackson's Professional Landscaping.

Jackson's the boss, but chose to use the holiday as a chance to put a few hours in for his 40 customers.

"I love it, I love getting up and coming to work in the morning, because it's peaceful and quiet in the morning and I can work like I want to," said Jackson.

Business was busier than normal at the grocery store. Picnics and celebrations made for a hectic day for cashiers who work every day but Christmas.

"Usually when people are off some come in for the little items, some come in for great big items just for the occasions," said Regis Mitchell, a Winn Dixie Cashier.

Despite the rush of customers, Regis Mitchell usually chooses to work the holiday.

"I just like to work, I just enjoy what I do," said Mitchell. 

For many Monday was a chance to kick back and relax and enjoy a movie and popcorn, but somebody had to work the theater to provide that good time. Caitlin just started three months ago and is quickly learning it's not so bad to be working her first Labor Day.

"It's okay. I don't have to work all night so, It's fine, it's not that bad," said Caitlin Segroves, Carmike Cinema.

In the first half of 2006, the national unemployment rate averaged was 4.7%. That's a full point lower than the unemployment rate in the 90's. 

The unemployment news in Georgia isn't quite so good. The statewide unemployment rate is 5.1%. In Albany, it's 6.2%.

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