How do we celebrate the "labor" in next weekend’s holiday? Labor Day typically brings to mind BBQ’s, three-day sales and the last celebrations of summer. Yet this holiday was created for the working man, a day to celebrate camaraderie and spirit within trade and labor organizations, and a day of rest and respect for those who labor through the remaining year. These organizations helped to bring labor rights to working people such as the right to a safe work place, maximum hours and minimum wage, health benefits and an end to abuses suffered by minorities and children.

The laws continue to protect the basic human rights of workers in the industrialized West, but are not ensured for billions of laborers who make up much of the backbone of the global economy. Child labor and forced servitude still exists. There are still dangerous and deadly working conditions which must be withstood to earn a meal. We in the West have accepted that such working conditions are not humane, and it is now time to extend these basic rights to our fellow laborers.

Through the Fair Trade movement, consumers are raising their voice and refusing to contribute to an economy that denies labor rights for all. Fair Trade helps to ensure that workers receive fair wages, a safe work environment, and are able to invest in their community. Fair trade artisans typically receive 15-20% of the total price of their products, as compared to less than 1% from conventional transactions. The benefits of fair wages manifest themselves in higher education rates in Fair Trade communities. Empowering women to work and help support their own families gives a new generation of women a new sense of self worth and respect. With a stable and livable income, communities are able to shift their focus from survival to improvement. This serves not only to better the community through specific programs and projects, but unites them with self-respect and pride.

Labor is a common denominator among us all, but, unfortunately, safe, just and fair labor is not. So this Labor Day stop and take a moment to think about the people who have labored to make all the stuff we consume at increasingly dizzying rates, then take some action. Here are some simple ways to help support Fair Trade:

1. Buy Fair Trade: fair trade products now range from coffee and chocolate to earrings to soccer balls. Look for Fair Trade alternatives to your purchases, and give Fair Trade gifts to introduce others.
2. If you do not find Fair Trade, ask the store to carry it. Many products such as coffee, chocolate and tea come in many varieties, so get your local store to offer some up.
3. Host a Fair Trade party at your home, work, church, school or any other group. Introduce your friends and family to Fair Trade and help them explore what it truly means. Have a discussion over coffee and nuts, or shop for some with a glass of wine; there are many ways in which to introduce them to the people behind the products.

Check out the Fair Trade Action Guide (pdf) for more ways to support Fair Trade.