When most people think of Labor Day, they think of the end of summer, having one last cookout or day at the lake before fall officially begins and white becomes a fashion faux pas.
But to the women and men in organized labor, Labor Day means much more. It's a time to reflect on the strides labor has made over the past century or so in the U.S.
"It's just to celebrate what we've accomplished over the years, like the eight-hour (work) day," said Judy Calhoun, a member of the United Auto Workers.
When she told the Cleveland County Democratic Party they needed "more labor in Labor Day," she was drafted to organize the party's annual Labor Day Picnic this year. The picnic was 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Andrews Park, and Calhoun said this year's event was meant to bring the focus back to what Labor Day is really about.
The event has been going on for as many years as most in attendance can remember.
"I'd say it's been probably at least 20," Rep. Wallace Collins said.
The history of the Democratic Party's support for organized labor was certainly evident in the makeup of those in attendance. Many were union or retired union workers.
Jim Hanger of Norman retired in 1994 after being a member of a meat cutters' union for about 16 years. He described himself as a union man.
"Without a union you have no chance, you have no say about what you make, (or) do," Hanger said.
Unfortunately, there aren't as many unionized workers in Oklahoma as there used to be, he said. But with the economic recession, he said he expects to see more people organizing themselves for workers' rights.
"When things get bad, people join the unions," Hanger said.
At the picnic Monday, Calhoun had asked the traditional speakers -- Democratic political candidates -- to speak about labor, as well as other issues.
After the various politicians spoke, the keynote speaker was Frosty Troy, founding editor of the Oklahoma Observer, the state's only political journal.
Troy said that organized labor has indeed been on the decline in Oklahoma. When he arrived at the capitol in 1960, 20 percent of the workforce was unionized. Now, it's only 6.6 percent of the state's workforce, he said.
"It's really a sad day for Oklahoma 'cause we really don't have those good jobs anymore," Troy said. Union jobs pay about 30 percent more than non-union jobs, he said, which is good for the workforce.
"It just pays to bargain collectively for your rights and responsibilities," Troy said.